The Effects of Population Density and Noise
Mary J House
Psy 460
September 29, 2014
Ricky Fenwick
The Effects of Population Density and Noise
Humans are aware and in tune with their environments in many different ways, and interact with them in most everything they do. Both an individual’s mental and physical health are affected by their environments. This paper is going to look at the effects of population density and noise and in so doing analyze the effects they have over individuals. Also examined will be the concepts of territoriality, privacy and personal space and how these concepts have become even more important as populations have increased. The paper will then look at the effect nature in the form of zoo’s, parks and gardens has on individuals living in urban environments. The concept of noise and its effect on people will also be examined. Finally, the paper will examine two strategies that may be used to reduce noise in the workplace and living environments.
The Effects of Population Density and Noise on Individual’s
As the population grows people become even more protective of their personal space. They need more privacy and can become more territorial. With the increase of population towns and cities spread out and urban areas become much larger. It is important that some green spaces remain in tact however, since they have restorative qualities that relieve stress and anxiety. This is why those most urban areas have parks and gardens in which people can go to relax and meditate.
The effects of noise, either loud or undesirable can cause people to feel annoyed and in extreme cases cause anxiety. This type of noise is different for all depending on preference but has the end result for all, which is unwanted.
Concepts of Territoriality, Privacy and Personal Space
“Territory for humans is not an instinct, but a powerful and often indispensable geographical strategy used to control people and things by controlling area.” (Sack, 1986). People defend what they claim as theirs, both verbally and physically if need be. With humans, the home is the territory of one’s family and most will defend it. An individual’s personal territory will include things such as bedrooms and vehicles in which that specific individual controls what goes on in that area. People feel more secure when they have an area that they are in control of or that they feel they own.
Privacy can be defined as being in complete control of one’s self, and thoughts, and in partial control of one’s group. (Altman, 2010). People keep personal information about themselves and others private. In the world today, privacy is something that is becoming much harder to protect. Technological advances have made much once private information public. Different cultures place different values on privacy; and it also varies widely in individuals of the same culture. Privacy is important however, and all people need to have a little bit of themselves they can keep sacred. People will seek out a private space that they can go to and be alone when faced with problems.
“Personal space is the region surrounding people that they regard as psychologically their own”. (Boundless). If someone tries to enter another’s personal space it can lead to discomfort, anger and anxiety. People are more inclined to allow others into their personal space if they are close family or intimate partners. The area of personal space also varies by situation and culture. People in western cultures require more personal space simply because they are more independent than those in eastern cultures.
Population Increase and how it Effects Territoriality, Privacy, and Personal Space
Population density affects people in many ways. When there are too many people in one space people feel crowded and crowding is linked to many negative behaviors such as aggression, inappropriate behavior, anxiety, and in some cases withdrawal of social interactions. When people feel