Our Environment Influence Our Psychological Wellness

 

 

Hello everyone and thanks for being here…I am Alicia and today I am would like to explore this idea, of How Our Psychological Wellness, is Profoundly Influenced by Our Environment;

i.e., what I mean is…how is it? that our psychological state of being has a direct correlation to our environment – both external and internal.

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This conversation serves to bring our attention, to various environments and spaces that influence: 

1. Our Mental Health – such as Nature, Work, Social Network and our Homes and other Personal Spaces.

2. Also I want to shed a bit of light on the three major Sociological perspectives, that has shaped our societies and ultimately our behaviors.

3. Thirdly, I will examine the interplay, between our surroundings and our psychological state of being.

I believe, that in order for us to experience living fully WELL, we need a deeper understanding, of how to foster and engage environments, that will assist in supporting and enhancing our psychological well-being.

Having said that, I think, that it is essential for us to be aware of both the internal and external environments that shapes our lives.

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Internal environment, in my opinion, is composed of the individual’s physiological, psychological, sociocultural conditionings and spiritual factors, which influences a person from within – these factors may include one’s attitude, mindset, self-talk, and emotions (of which – we subjectively have full control of).

 

External environment, on the other hand, includes the physical tangible world and social elements that are external to, And interactive with the individual – such are, the weather, climate changes, social issues, politics, economy, technology, social media and other people – for which we have little, to no influence on.       

I want to give a brief reiteration of the meaning of the word “Wellness” – Wellness is a state of being, beyond the absence of illness –it is a vital holistic concept, that encompasses spiritual, physical, mental, emotional and environmental well-being, for both individuals and societies.

 

The Psychology of Wellness: is a multifaceted concept that includes emotional resilience, cognitive functioning, and social well-being.

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Emotional resilience – which refers to the ability to recover from stress and adversity – and is a critical component of mental health.

 

Cognitive aspects, such as mindfulness and positive thinking, are practices that enhance mental well-being.

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And lastly, social connections, highlights the importance of supportive relationships and their significant impact on one’s mental health.

 

I will also, a little later, briefly highlight the Environmental and Sociological factors and their Impact on our Mental Health:

 

The area’s most prevalent Environmentally are:

Natural environment – and we will look at urban versus rural living conditions, and their distinct impacts.

The workplace environment – As a place that is Supportive and Inclusive.

Our Personal space – which is one’s home comfort, safety and tranquility.

The Climate and weather – that denotes the acronym “SAD” Seasonal Affective Disorder, that affects mood and energy levels.

And lastly, the Aesthetic and Sensory elements in our environment – such as color, lighting or sounds.

 

To begin, let's have a look at the…

The Sociological Impact on Psychological Wellness:

See Social environments – provide cultural continuity and emotional wellbeing and refer to the settings and contexts in which people interact and develop relationships.

These environments can significantly influence behavior, attitude, and social norms.

Some examples that I will touch on, a little later in this conversation are:

1. The Family – is crucial for early social conditioning – that teach various cultural norms and behaviors.

2. Peer groups and friends – influence attitudes and social skills.

3. School – helps to build academic knowledge and social standards.

4. Cultural norms and values – that directly influence identity.

5. SES – Socioeconomic status - is not only about income/money, but also educational achievement, occupational prestige and perceptions of social status and social class.

6. Community and neighborhood – refer to the way in which people are connected by some form of commonality, which could be location, common interest or hobby.

7. Media, technology and digital communities – include online global communities and platforms.

 

Now to expand a bit on how, The Environment Impact Mental Health:

The Natural environment has a profound impact on psychological wellness. Exposure to Nature reduces stress, anxiety, and depression, while enhancing mood and cognitive function.

Access to parks and green spaces in urban areas promotes relaxation and physical activity, contributing to better mental health.

Conversely, the built spaces and living conditions of urban environment verses rural communities, can either enhance or detract from psychological wellness.

 

Urban areas offer social and cultural opportunities, but can increase stress due to noise and crowding.

Environmental stressors, such as noise, fire trucks, pollution and poor air quality, significantly affect mental health.

Chronic noise exposure leads to stress and cognitive impairments, while poor air quality impacts brain function and contributes to mental health issues.

Yet, in as much as, Poor housing, overcrowding, and noise, all contribute to stress and anxiety,

It is important to note, that there are well-maintained and safe neighborhoods within urban environments, that do promote a sense of security and pride.

 

Rural areas offer a peaceful and serene environment, ideal for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, the tranquility can sometimes lead to feelings of isolation due to fewer social interactions and community events.

Additionally, the geographical remoteness often results in limited access to mental health services, making it challenging for residents to receive timely support.

Consequently, people in rural areas may face difficulties in addressing mental health issues effectively.

 

The work environment when supportive and inclusive – where employees feel valued and recognized, improve job satisfaction and mental health.

In contrast, a toxic workplace, characterized by high stress, lack of recognition, lack of empathy and poor interpersonal relationships, lead to stress, anxiety, depression and burnout.

Job security and favorable working conditions are crucial for mental well-being; while unemployment and poor working conditions, increase psychological instability.

 

Being aware of Personal space is also, essential for psychological wellness.

A comfortable and safe home environment promotes good mood and reduces stress.

Cluttered spaces increase stress, while organized spaces do promote a sense of calm.

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The Climate and weather also have psychological effects as well.

This acronym called (SAD) which means: Seasonal Affective Disorder, is known to affects mood and energy levels at certain times of the year;

And there is also something called climate change-related eco-anxiety, which includes feelings of helplessness and concern about the future.

 

Often overlooked, is the Aesthetic and sensory elements in our environment, that influence mood and energy levels. Colors and lighting, for instance, can evoke specific emotional responses.

Natural light is known to improves mood and productivity, while certain colors can have calming or stimulating effects.

Pleasant soundscapes, such as birdsong or flowing water, can promote relaxation, while harsh sounds may increase stress.

 

Now to look at how Social Environments Impact Psychological Wellness:

Social environments can significantly influence psychological well-being and create a sense of belonging to a community and cultural continuity.

Supportive social network enhances resilience and mental health, providing emotional support and stability. These environments provide a unique context for social interaction and can shape an individual's experiences and social development.

From a sociological perspective, socialization plays a critical role in shaping behavior, attitudes, and overall psychological well-being.

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The family environment is crucial for early socialization, teaching norms and behaviors that shape personality and psychological development.

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Peer groups influence attitudes and social skills - with positive interactions, enhancing self-esteem, and negative ones leading to social anxiety.

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Schools are key environments for social learning, providing academic knowledge and social norms.

The school climate and teacher-student relationships, significantly impact mental health.

 

Cultural norms and values also shape psychological well-being. Societal norms and cultural values influence identity and behavior, affecting self-esteem and mental health.

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Exposure to diverse cultures, especially in multicultural metropolis, can enhances empathy and cognitive flexibility but may lead to cultural clashes if not well-managed.

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Socioeconomic status (SES) significantly affects access to resources and opportunities - with lower SES often linked to higher stress and mental health issues.

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Moving along...it is well documented that Community and neighborhood with strong social cohesion and support networks, can enhance resilience and psychological well-being.

Safe and clean neighborhoods do promote security, pride and reducing stress.

 

Social Media and technology are increasingly influential, in shaping of perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors.

Positive media content can inspire, educate and provides support, while negative content can harm mental health, as unrealistic portrayals can lead to body image issues, anxiety, and depression.

There is also a growing alarm of the excessive use and addictive qualities of social media;

Cancel culture and cyberbullying, that has become a global epidemic.

 

Here are the three major Sociological Theories and Strategies, influencing both individual and societies; which consequently, have a directly impact on Psychological Wellness:

 

Sociology (by definition) is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior;

It is an investigation of the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts.

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It is important to note, that by contrast, yet somewhat overlapping - Psychology is focused on understanding the individual, the human mind and its functions, especially those affecting behavior in a given context.

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The following three sociological theories offer a framework for comprehending the socioenvironmental impact on our psychological well-being. By examining these theories, we can gain insight into how various social and environmental factors influence mental health.

It is my hope that their combined relevance will highlight the importance of understanding this complex relationship. This understanding can guide us in addressing the challenges posed by our surroundings on psychological well-being. Ultimately, the aim is to foster healthier individuals and communities, by acknowledging and mitigating these impacts.

 

These three theories are namely…

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Structural functionalism, that emphasizes the role of social structures in maintaining stability.

Disruptions in these structures can affect individual well-being.

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Conflict theory focuses on power dynamics and inequality, leading to stress and alienation.

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Symbolic interactionism, highlights the importance of symbols and meanings in social interactions, influencing mental states.

 

1. Structural functionalism emphasizes the stability provided by social structures,

2. Conflict theory highlights the stress and alienation caused by inequalities,

3. And symbolic interactionism focuses on the meanings and interpretations individuals attach to their environments.

 

Structural functionalism is a sociological perspective that views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability and order. This theory emphasizes that social structures and institutions—such as family, marriage, education, and religion—serve essential functions that contribute to the overall stability and functioning of society.

Social structures provide the framework within which individuals interact and develop.

For example, the family structure offers emotional support and socialization, teaching norms and values that shape personality and psychological development.

The Educational systems not only impart knowledge but also instill social norms and behaviors necessary for functioning within society.

 

It is well noted, that Disruptions in these structures—such as family breakdown, failing educational systems, loss of Faith or economic instability—can lead to stress, insecurity, and mental health issues.

For instance, children from disrupted family environments may experience attachment issues or behavioral problems.

Similarly, an unstable job market can cause stress and anxiety due to job insecurity.

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Conflict theory, developed by Karl Marx the philosopher and poet, focuses on the power dynamics and inequalities within society. It argues that society is characterized by ongoing conflicts between different groups competing for limited resources. This perspective highlights how social, economic, and political inequalities can lead to tension and conflict.

Conflict theory suggests that inequalities and power imbalances can lead to feelings of stress, alienation, and mental health problems.

For instance, individuals in lower socioeconomic groups may experience higher levels of stress due to limited access to resources, opportunities, and social capital.

This inequality can manifest in various forms, such as poor living conditions, inadequate healthcare, and limited educational opportunities, all of which can negatively impact mental health.

 

Moreover, social stratification and visible inequality can lead to feelings of injustice and resentment, contributing to social tension and psychological distress – impacting mental well-being.

 

Social stratification refers to how a society categorize its people into groups, based on socioeconomic factors like wealth, income, race, education, ethnicity, gender, occupation, social status, or social and political power.  

Individuals who perceive themselves as minority, marginalized or oppressed may experience chronic stress and a sense of helplessness, which may foster mental health.

 

 

Symbolic interactionism, developed by sociologist George Herbert Mead and Herbert Blumer, emphasizes the importance of symbols and meanings in social interactions.

This theory focuses on how individuals create and interpret the world around them through interactions with others.

It suggests that society is constructed through human interpretation and the meanings that people attach to objects, events, and behaviors.

 

A good example of this theory is a quote by Anais Nin: "We Don't See Things The Way They Are - We See Things The Way We Are".

 

Symbolic interactionism highlights the subjective nature of social reality and how individuals' perceptions and interpretations can influence their mental states.

For instance, the meanings attached to social roles, relationships, and personal achievements can significantly impact self-esteem and identity.

In this view, the environment influences psychological well-being through the meanings and interpretations individuals ascribe to it.

A person's home, workplace, or community can evoke feelings of safety, pride, or belonging, contributing positively to mental health.

Conversely, environments perceived as threatening, isolating or stigmatizing can lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

 

“Change your thinking, change your life.” — Ernest Holmes

Is this quote some sort of “Subjective Truth” or Can this be interpreted as “Objective Truth”? emmm what are your thoughts on this?

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Nelson Mandela teaches us in his memoir, that “the first obstacle we must overcome, is our own mind” …when our environment is contrary to everything good and just".

It would appear that Nelson Mandela was alluding to this theory of symbolic interactionism – at least that’s what I think.

 

 

My Final Thoughts:

 

By considering these three sociological perspectives, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between environment and mental health, and thereby work towards creating structures that support and enhance psychological well-being.

 

It is well researched as objective truth, that our environment profoundly shapes our psychological well-being – weaving a complex tapestry of influences that affect every facet of our mental health.

By examining these sociological perspectives, we gained a multifaceted understanding of how we are influence by our surroundings.

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As we aim to improve both individual and collective psychological well-being, we need to embrace a comprehensive approach that considers these diverse factors:

By Enhancing community engagement, promoting social justice, designing supportive work environments, and encouraging positive media use that promote media literacy and supportive online interactions, to mitigate negative impacts – we can achieve our goal.

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These approaches are vital strategies, to foster environments that are inclusive and flexible, to enhance and support mental health, improving individual well-being and building more resilient and thriving communities, that buffer against stress.

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Ultimately, the interplay between our environment and psychological wellness, underscores the interconnectedness of our social systems, physical surroundings, and mental states.

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By understanding and addressing these intricate relationships between the sociological aspects of our environment, we can create supportive spaces that improves psychological wellness.

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Through intentional and mindful actions, we build a society where people can thrive in a healthier, more equitable environment, free from the pressures of environmental stressors and inequalities, ultimately enhancing the well-being of both individuals and the community as a whole.

 

Thanks for your Attention…

I hope you find value in this subject…

Until Next Time…BE WELL…

27th July, 2024 POST.

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