Psychology for Sustainability, 4th Edition – known as Psychology of Environmental Problems: Psychology for Sustainability in its previous edition – applies psychological theory and research to so-called "environmental" problems, which actually result from human behavior that degrades natural systems. This upbeat, user-friendly edition represents a dramatic reorganization and includes a substantial amount of new content that will be useful to students and faculty in a variety of disciplines-and even to people outside of academia as well.
The literature reviewed throughout the text is up-to-date, and reflects the burgeoning efforts of many in the behavioral sciences who are working to create a more sustainable society. The 4th Edition is organized in four sections. The first section provides a foundation by familiarizing readers with the current ecological crisis and its historical origins, and by offering a vision for a sustainable future.The next five chapters present psychological research methods, theory, and findings pertinent to understanding, and changing, unsustainable behavior. The third section addresses the reciprocal relationship between planetary and human wellbeing. And the final chapter encourages readers to take what they have learned and apply it to move behavior in a sustainable direction by presenting a variety of theoretically and empirically grounded ideas for how to face this challenging task with positivity, wisdom, and enthusiasm.
Psychology for Sustainability may be used as a primary or secondary textbook on a wide range of courses in Ecological Psychology, Environmental Science, Sustainability Sciences, Environmental Education, and Social Marketing. Psychology for Sustainability, 4th Edition also provides a valuable resource for professional audience of policymakers, legislators, and those working on sustainable communities.
Foreward, by Deborah Winter
Part 1: What On Earth Are We Doing?
- There Are No Environmental Problems
- How Did We Get Here?
- From Western Thought to "Wise Use"
- Where Do We Go From Here?
- Developing an Ecological Worldview
Part 2: Psychology for a Sustainable Future
- Psychology Can Help Save the Planet
- The Power of the (Unsustainable) Situation
- It's not Easy Thinking Green
- Putting the "I" in Environment
- To Be (Green), or Not to Be (Green)...It's a Question of Motivation
Part 3: What's Good for the Planet is Good for Us
- Making Ourselves Sick: Health Costs of Unsustainable Living
- Healing the Split Between Planet and Self: We All Need to Walk on the Wild Side
Part 4: Getting Psyched for Sustainability
- Getting Psyched for Sustainability: Being the Change We Want to See
Appendix: Self-Change Project
Britain A. Scott is Professor of Psychology at the University of St. Thomas. Elise L. Amel is Professor of Psychology and Director of Environmental Studies at the University of St. Thomas. Susan M. Koger is Professor of Psychology at Willamette University in Oregon. Christie M. Manning is Associate Director of the Educating Sustainability Ambassadors program and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Environmental Studies at Macalester College.