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Every person holds emotions within themselves, linked to the most intimate
memories of their life. An example of these sensations is, for many of us, the smell of
freshly cut grass, which immediately takes us back to our grandparents' house. It
is a perfume that, just thinking about it, has the power to make us relive happy
and carefree moments, so vivid that they make us close our eyes and smile
involuntarily.
One of the fundamental aspects of environmental psychology is how environments
influence our mental health and well-being. The physical environment is not just a
passive container of experiences, but has a direct impact on our emotional state and
our ability to interact with the world. Studies have shown that the quality of the
physical environment in which we live or work can influence our mood, our social
behavior and even our productivity.
Environmental psychology therefore studies the interaction between individuals and
the physical environments in which they live, work and relate. This branch of
psychology explores how places, structures and the physical characteristics of spaces
influence our behavior, emotions, perception and well-being. In a context of growing
urbanization and greater awareness of issues related to the environment, it has
become fundamental to understand the dynamics between people and places, with
relevant implications for the design of spaces and urban planning.

Keywords: psychological well-being, environmental psychology, environmental
emotions.

L'importanza della natura

S
ono numerosi gli studi scientifici che hanno documentato gli effetti
positivi per la salute in seguito all'esposizione alla natura. La teoria
della restorative environment (ambiente ripristinante), proposta da
RACHEL e STEPHEN KAPLAN (1989), suggerisce che gli spazi naturali, come i
parchi, i giardini e i boschi, abbiano la capacità di ridurre lo stress e
migliorare la concentrazione. L'esposizione alla natura può infatti influire
fisiologicamente sull’essere umano, riducendo i livelli di cortisolo, l'ormone
dello stress e favorendo un ritorno ad uno stato di calma, creando così una
sensazione di recupero mentale. Camminare in un parco, avere una vista di

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