Essentialism in Environmental Psychology: Controversies and Evidence

Maria Lewicka

doi:10.18290/rpsych21242-2s

Maria Lewicka Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Institute of Psychology https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6060-467X

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18290/rpsych21242-2s

Keywords: essentialism, place, built environment, environmental perception

Abstract

This paper deals with the issue of psychological essentialism as present in environmental studies. The essentialist belief—that is, the assumption that things have a deep essence that defines their stable identity—has been a recurring theme in environmental psychology. In this paper, I show its relevance for such research areas as environmental perception and the concept of place as a meaningful location. I show that essentialism underlies early phenomenological theories of place and is present in contemporary biophilic theories of environmental perception. I discuss relevant theories and present research findings that justify the claim that people are psychological essentialists when dealing with the physical built environment.

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