CBSE Class 12 Psychology Chapter 7: NCERT Solutions

The term 'environment' broadly refers to everything that surrounds us, including the physical, social, and cultural aspects of our world. It encompasses all external forces that influence human beings and to which they respond in some way.

Psychologist Stokols proposed three main perspectives to understand the complex relationship between humans and their environment:

1. The Minimalist Perspective: This view suggests that the physical environment has a very limited or negligible impact on human behavior. It posits that human actions and the environment largely exist in parallel, with minimal interaction or influence between them.
2. The Instrumental Perspective: According to this approach, the environment is seen primarily as a resource or a tool that serves the needs and comfort of human beings. Humans can utilize and manipulate the environment to suit their requirements and enhance their well-being.
3. The Spiritual Perspective: This perspective emphasizes the intrinsic value of the environment, viewing it as something to be respected, cherished, and protected rather than merely exploited. It highlights the interdependence between the physical environment and human existence. Traditional Indian culture, with its reverence for nature (like worshipping rivers and mountains) and movements such as the Chipko Andolan and the actions of the Bishnoi community, exemplifies this spiritual approach to environmental conservation.

The statement "Human beings affect and are affected by the environment" highlights the reciprocal and dynamic relationship between people and their surroundings. The environment significantly influences human behavior, perception, and emotions, while human activities, in turn, impact the environment, often negatively.

How Humans are Affected by the Environment:

• Influence on Perception: Our environment shapes how we perceive the world. For instance, studies on the Muller-Lyer illusion show that individuals from tribal societies living in circular huts make fewer errors than those from urban environments with angular buildings, suggesting that architectural styles influence visual perception.
• Influence on Emotions: The environment plays a crucial role in our emotional states. Experiencing the tranquility of a flowing river or the beauty of a mountain top can evoke feelings of joy and happiness. Conversely, natural disasters like landslides or floods can lead to deep depression, sorrow, and a sense of helplessness, sometimes resulting in long-term psychological issues like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
• Influence on Occupation, Living Style, and Attitudes: The natural environment of a region often dictates the primary occupations of its inhabitants, leading to either agricultural or industrial societies. These occupations, in turn, shape the lifestyle, values, and attitudes of the people living there. For example, a coastal community might develop a lifestyle centered around fishing.

How Humans Affect the Environment:

Human activities have a cumulative and often detrimental effect on the environment. Key environmental stressors created or exacerbated by humans include:

• Pollution:
  • Air Pollution: Toxic gases from vehicles and industries harm health, reduce visibility, cause eye irritation, and increase the risk of respiratory cancers.
  • Noise Pollution: Unwanted or unpleasant sounds can lead to stress, reduced attention span, and difficulty concentrating.
  • Water Pollution: Contaminated water sources cause various digestive and gastrointestinal health problems.
• Noise: Defined as any unpleasant or interfering sound, noise acts as a stressor. Its impact depends on its intensity (loudness), predictability (regular vs. irregular sounds), and the perceived control an individual has over it.
• Crowding and Density:
  • Crowding: This is the subjective feeling of being confined or having too little personal space, which can negatively affect task performance, relationships, and overall health.
  • Density: This is an objective measure referring to the number of people living within a specific area or space.
• Natural and Man-made Disasters: While natural disasters (earthquakes, cyclones) occur naturally, human activities like industrial accidents (e.g., Bhopal gas tragedy) or the use of nuclear weapons (e.g., Hiroshima) create man-made disasters. These events cause extensive damage and have long-lasting effects on people and the environment. Everyday activities like driving, using aerosols, or refrigerators also contribute cumulatively to environmental degradation.

Noise is defined as any sound that is unwanted, unpleasant, or irritating to an individual in a particular situation. What constitutes noise can be subjective; a sound that bothers one person might not disturb another. Essentially, any sound perceived as unwanted by an individual is considered noise.

Noise, often referred to as sound pollution when it reaches a certain level, can have significant adverse effects on human behavior and well-being. The impact of noise depends on several factors:

• Intensity (Loudness): Louder sounds are generally more unpleasant and irritating, increasing the likelihood of negative psychological effects.
• Predictability: Humans tend to adapt more easily to sounds that are regular and predictable, such as the natural chirping of birds in the morning. Irregular or sudden loud noises are more likely to be perceived as disruptive and stressful.
• Perceived Control: The negative effects of noise are often reduced when individuals feel they have some control over the sound. For example, if someone can turn off a loud radio, the stress associated with the noise is less than if the noise is unavoidable.

The psychological effects of noise can include increased stress levels, a narrowing of attention, a decrease in concentration, and general irritability. Chronic exposure to high levels of noise can contribute to more serious health issues over time.