How psychology can promote the environment

Abstract

Psychology is relevant to understanding and promoting the connections between people and the environment, and providing insights into solving environmental challenges we are currently facing. The aim of this symposium is to showcase how psychological principles help better understand the human-environment interactions. The presentations cover topics ranging from understanding the therapeutic effects of virtual contact with nature, and the psychological mechanisms through which the nature exposure exerts its beneficial effect on psychological well-being to the use of insights from psychological theories to increase engagement with pro-environmental behaviours and personal narratives to increase public motivation to address climate change.