The Moderating Effects Of Vegetation On Human Violent Behavior Caused By Environmental Stressors

Abstract

Numerous studies explain the relationship between the environment and human behavior using the term "environmental stressor." Some examples of environmental stressors are temperature, air pollution, noise, and density and crowding. The negative effects of these environmental stressors on humans occur in the form of mental fatigue and lead to increased anger, aggression, and even violence. Environments such as urban forests provide a number of benefits for one's quality of life. People living in vegetated areas feel lower levels of fear, and have less aggressive and violent behavior. In this light, this study hypothesizes that population density in urbanized areas can function as an environmental stressor to urban residents, and that vegetated areas in urban settings can moderate environmental stress produced from high population density. This study is important to urban planners and landscape architects who develop design criteria in order to provide a safer urban environment and a better quality of life for urban residents.