Biophilia

The Attention Restoration Theory looked to biophilia as an explanation for both restoration and instoration. The Biophilia Hypothesis theorizes that there is an “instinctive bond” between humans and other living beings, such as plants and animals. It proposes that humans have been wired in a way is drawn to particular aspects of nature, especially landscapes such as grasslands, that would sustain their survival through food and shelter.

Both approach and avoidance is part of the process of trial and error towards survival.

The natural response of preferring or approaching certain environments might have promoted physical healing or mental renewal. The idea of an intrinsic connection between humans and nature can possibly explain many of the positive impacts of natural environments on humans’ mental and physical well-being, as well as the reasons behind the popularity of environmental behaviors and activities such as gardening.

Biophobia is the opposite of biophilia, and it is the “predisposition to avoid or to be afraid of certain natural settings or elements” (Gross, 2018). Biophobia states that natural environments are not always liked, in fact, they can be actively disliked or feared. In this sense, nature is also not always restorative, depending on a range of factors. For example, some preferred environments are determined by psychological or cultural factors, and whether they align with people’s identities (such as a rural “country”/ urban “city” identity). Additionally, many preferred settings are also associated with their survival value. For example, people are much more likely to choose environments that are familiar to them, and humans tend to have a need for structure and views, meaning that they want to be sheltered, but also be able to have space to see in case any danger comes.

References:

Gross, H. (2018). The psychology of gardening. Routledge.