Environmental Psychology Article Analysis
Environmental Psychology Article Analysis
Environmental psychology is a moderately new subfield of psychology. Understanding how individuals interact, perceive, and respond to the built and natural environment is the goal of environmental psychology (Veitch & Arkkelin, 1995). Overcrowding, climate, and pollution are some environmental factors that may definitely have a huge influence on human behavior. Natural disasters not only significantly affect an individual’s life but also a family’s life. Furthermore, understanding this substantial effect and ways to care for and heal the trauma of a natural disaster is an important goal for environmental psychologists (Veitch & Arkkelin, 1995). In August 2005, hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana (NOAA, 2007). The overwhelming aftermath left Louisiana in complete destruction, leaving thousands displaced and almost 2,000 lives lost (NOAA, 2007). In addition, children were lost as well as numerous children left without families. The psychological trauma brought on by this event is a subject that psychologists attempt to understand. Through the article “Traumatization through Separation: Loss of Family and Home as Childhood Catastrophes” by Ute Benz (2004) this understanding can begin to be met. Throughout this journey, the article will be analyzed for its significance to the trauma suffered in hurricane Katrina, how the people of Louisiana especially young children cope, and how this type of tragedy influences a person’s life.
Article Summary
Anna Freud created a home for displaced children in 1940. These children were alienated from their families as a result of the German bombardment of London (Benz, 2004). These children were alienated not only from their families but also their environment. Through Anna Freud’s research during and after this time, she could better comprehend the needs and development of children, particularly during stressful times (2004). Separation from the home and family is one of the
Environmental psychology is a moderately new subfield of psychology. Understanding how individuals interact, perceive, and respond to the built and natural environment is the goal of environmental psychology (Veitch & Arkkelin, 1995). Overcrowding, climate, and pollution are some environmental factors that may definitely have a huge influence on human behavior. Natural disasters not only significantly affect an individual’s life but also a family’s life. Furthermore, understanding this substantial effect and ways to care for and heal the trauma of a natural disaster is an important goal for environmental psychologists (Veitch & Arkkelin, 1995). In August 2005, hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana (NOAA, 2007). The overwhelming aftermath left Louisiana in complete destruction, leaving thousands displaced and almost 2,000 lives lost (NOAA, 2007). In addition, children were lost as well as numerous children left without families. The psychological trauma brought on by this event is a subject that psychologists attempt to understand. Through the article “Traumatization through Separation: Loss of Family and Home as Childhood Catastrophes” by Ute Benz (2004) this understanding can begin to be met. Throughout this journey, the article will be analyzed for its significance to the trauma suffered in hurricane Katrina, how the people of Louisiana especially young children cope, and how this type of tragedy influences a person’s life.
Article Summary
Anna Freud created a home for displaced children in 1940. These children were alienated from their families as a result of the German bombardment of London (Benz, 2004). These children were alienated not only from their families but also their environment. Through Anna Freud’s research during and after this time, she could better comprehend the needs and development of children, particularly during stressful times (2004). Separation from the home and family is one of the
References: Benz, U. (Fall 2004). Traumatization through separation: Loss of family and home as childhood catastrophes. Shofar: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies, 23(1), 85-99. Retrieved May 14, 2011 from SocINDEX with Full Text database. National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), (2007). Hurricane katrina — Most destructive hurricane ever to strike the U.S.. Retrieved May 14, 2011 from http://www.katrina.noaa.gov/ Veitch, R., & Arkkelin, D. (1995). Environmental Psychology: An Interdisciplinary Perspective. New Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Prentice Hall