Ecopsychology

by

Matthew Jamnik, Faith Corbin, McKenna H. Grimm, Riley Jo Henson Hobbs

• LAST MODIFIED: 22 November 2024
• DOI: 10.1093/obo/9780199828340-0328

Introduction

Ecopsychology is a vast, expansive and (relatively) underexplored landscape, and this bibliography a map. To plot course is challenging because the path is ever-expanding and unfolds alongside this historical moment. This collection of works was gathered to help survey the terrain and ground the interested reader, offering a feel for this place and a sense of the space. Ecopsychology has been described as a field of study, drawing from (deep) ecology, psychology, and philosophy, among other traditions. It is interdisciplinary and counterdisciplinary, aiming to “ecologize” psychology and “psychologize” ecology. Others refer to it as a multifaceted project, a movement in service of (all) life. Ecopsychology explores the connection between humans and the natural world, and how these affiliations affect our behavior, well-being, and worldview. It includes theory, research, applied clinical practice (i.e., psychotherapy; e.g., ecotherapy, wilderness/adventure therapy), and social/ecological activism. Emerging in the late twentieth century as a response to environmental and psychological crises of modernity, it continues to develop alongside contemporary sociopolitical and cultural issues. Ecopsychologists argue that, to understand and address these intertwined crises, the broken bond between humans and nature must be healed. They call for expanding our sense of self and reality (beyond a human-centered view), urging us toward developing more sustainable, harmonious ways of living with the planet. This body of work culminates in a need for cultivating a sense of ecological responsibility and empathy for the natural world, striving to promote personal and social change toward a more ecologically-conscious culture and society. Ecopsychology is a relevant and important topic for anyone who cares about the future of life on Earth, humans and nonhumans, living and nonliving, alike. It guides us toward better understanding our place, and role, as humans in this more-than-human world. To the budding ecopsychologist: spend time in nature, observing and experiencing the interactions, interrelationships, and interconnectedness that can be found; seek learning opportunities and resources on ecopsychology; and join (or create) communities of practice and action that support ecopsychological goals and values. This collection is not exhaustive, and we acknowledge that there are many other noteworthy, relevant resources that could not be included. (Readers are strongly encouraged to review the references cited by the authors featured here for other additional, important resources.) Our intention is to present valuable resources and spotlight a rich, diverse set of voices, hoping to inspire further exploration and contemplation of ecopsychology.

General Overviews

There are several resources, including both academic and non-academic oriented sources, that overview the field of ecopsychology. These texts provide a rich tapestry of perspectives, highlighting many of the key relevant topics for scholars and practitioners. Challenging conventional psychology, the seminal, edited volume Roszak, et al. 1995 brought ecopsychology to the forefront and offered new views on human-nature relations. It is a must-read for anyone interested in ecopsychology. Conesa-Sevilla 2019 provides a comprehensive academic text on ecopsychology, which is open access (publicly available) and one of the few of its kind. The book chapter Merritt 2017 provides a scoping, yet abbreviated and digestible, review of key developments, theories, and findings from the field. (Readers interested in gaining a deeper, more thorough understanding of the overarching perspectives of the field are directed to Davidson 2021, which provides a detailed account of the history and development of ecopsychology; see also, Baxter and Pelletier 2019 under Ecopsychology and Well-being). Written for a general reader, Williams 2017 offers an accessible introduction to the latest research on the human-nature relationship, including how and why nature makes us happier and healthier. Two pop culture articles, Robbins 2020 and Khan 2020, also intended for lay audiences, provide a general summary of the discipline and describe ecopsychology-related work, broadly. Other accessible overviews, which are geared for the general public, provide further information about work on the human-nature connection, encouraging the reader toward more eco-harmonious ways of living. For example, Louv 2012 advocates for the need to foster (re)connection with the natural world in contemporary society (expanding upon the author’s previous focus on childhood, see Louv 2008 under Ecopsychology and Developmental Psychology). For practitioners, Macy and Brown 2014 provides a guidebook on the Work That Reconnects, the revolutionary practice that offers personal counsel and easy-to-use methods to facilitate the creation of a life-sustaining culture. Last, but certainly not least, Fisher 2013a provides an illuminating discussion on the (ongoing) dialogue concerning the theoretical and ideological foundations of ecopsychology. This collection provides insight into the discipline’s past, present, and future, contributing to the ongoing dialogue about the field’s trajectory and implications that the human-nature relationship has for the well-being of humans, nature, and society. The subsection Historical Origins offers readings covering the development of ecopsychology, while foundational texts are found in the subsection Scholarly Texts and Edited Volumes (see Fisher 2013b, Kahn and Hasbach 2012, Roszak 2001, and Shepard 1982).

• Conesa-Sevilla, Jorge. 2019. Ecopsychology revisited: For whom do the “nature” bells toll?. Arcata, CA: Humboldt State Univ. Press.

  This book provides a scoping, comprehensive overview of the state of ecopsychology. The author critically reviews various trends within the field, discussing historical developments, key theories, and the evidence-basis for this work, and offering fifty key points. It is argued that, due to misinterpretations and oversimplifications of the field, misconceptions have arisen. This book reorients readers toward an ecopsychological perspective within the social and behavioral sciences. Available online for free.

• Davidson, Tal. 2021. The (d)evolution of a technological species: A history and critique of ecopsychology’s constructions of science and technology. Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences 57.4: 376–395.

  DOI: 10.1002/jhbs.22134

  The author explores the evolution of perspectives in ecopsychology, and their impact on scientific work, tracing the history of the field from the early, humanistic-oriented portrayals in Gatherings (under Journals) to the scholarly approach of the academic publication, Ecopsychology (under Journals). The author then critiques a concept of the latter perspective, “technological species,” urging the field to instead confront the ecological implications of consumer technology. Available online by subscription.

• Fisher, Andy. 2013a. Ecopsychology at the crossroads: Contesting the nature of a field. Ecopsychology 5.3: 167–176.

  DOI: 10.1089/eco.2013.0031

  This article explores the trajectory of ecopsychology, discussing the crossroads of “radical” (“first-generation”) and “mainstream” (“second-generation”) paths. It provides a scoping review of this “debate,” as articulated by key thinker, Andy Fisher, and serves as part of an essential, ongoing dialogue about the discipline. Ecopsychology, as suggested here, is a radical ecological transformation of psychology, shifting focus from individualistic to collective engagement with society. Available online by subscription.

• Khan, Peter H., Jr. Losing touch with nature. Institute of Art and Ideas: News 92 (4 November 2020).

  This passage provides a useful overview that covers some of the latest ideas and concepts from the field. Intended for a non-academic audience, and written by an influential scholar from the discipline, it explores the vital role that nature has for human well-being and the challenges posed by urbanization and technological growth. The author emphasizes the need to maintain connection with the (wild) natural world (i.e., non-technological nature).

• Louv, Richard. 2012. The nature principle: Reconnecting with life in a virtual age. Chapel Hill, NC: Algonquin Books.

  An excellent introductory resource, written in lay language, this book expands upon the international best seller, Last Child in the Woods (see Louv 2008 under Ecopsychology and Developmental Psychology). The author advocates for a broader movement (“The New Nature Movement”) that incorporates the natural world into every aspect of society. Using evidence from lived experience (anecdotes, stories) and empirical research, the book challenges us to rethink the way we live.

• Macy, Joanna, and Molly Young Brown. 2014. Coming back to life: The guide to the work that reconnects. Gabriola Island, BC: New Society Publishers.

  This guidebook serves as a manual for The Work That Reconnects, an approach designed to foster solidarity and courage to empower individuals during worsening social and ecological challenges. (See also Macy 2021 under Supplemental Literature from Various (Non-Psychology) Fields). While applicable individually, this work thrives in groups, utilizing interactive methods and workshops ranging from a day to an entire lunar cycle, offering transformative experiences to deepen our human-nature kinship.

• Merritt, Dennis L. 2017. Ecopsychology: The psyche and the environment. In Rethinking nature: Challenging disciplinary boundaries. Edited by Aurélie Choné, Isabelle Hajek, and Philippe Hamman, 49–61. London: Taylor & Francis.

  DOI: 10.4324/9781315444765

  An excellent starting point for those with limited knowledge who wish to know more about the discipline. This chapter provides a brief overview of ecopsychology, starting with the history and emergence of the field before discussing more recent, contemporary perspectives and approaches. Ecopsychology is described as a holistic approach to understand and address humanity’s dysfunctional relationship with the environment. Available online by subscription.

• Robbins, Jim. Ecopsychology: How immersion in nature benefits your health. Yale Environment 360 (9 January 2020).

  This online article, published with the Yale School of the Environment, introduces the reader to research related to the field of ecopsychology, describing (some of) the growing evidence base that supports the necessity of the human-nature connection. The essay provides a helpful, easy-to-digest summary of key ideas from this area of study for those who would like to learn more.

• Roszak, Theodore, Mary E. Gomes, and Allen D. Kanner, eds. 1995. Ecopsychology: Restoring the earth, healing the mind. San Francisco: Sierra Club Books.

  This seminal edited volume serves as one of the earliest pioneering texts for ecopsychology, a “new” (at that time) perspective which focused on the interconnection between humans and the natural world, challenging traditional Western psychological theory. The collection of essays offered fertile ground for the growth of this budding field of study, ushering in (what is now known as) the “first-generation” of ecopsychology.

• Williams, Florence. 2017. The nature fix: Why nature makes us happier, healthier, and more creative. New York: W.W Norton.

  Intended for a general audience, and written in an accessible manner, this book provides an excellent introduction to this body of work. The author offers a captivating exploration of the scientific basis behind the healing powers of nature. The central argument is that our connection to nature is not a luxury but a fundamental necessity. A good starting point for those interested in knowing more about ecopsychology.