Environmental Psychology in Healthcare Flashcards

What is the core principle of 'biophilic design' as applied in evidence-based healthcare environments?

Answer: Incorporating nature — light, plants, water, natural materials — to reduce human stress and support healing

Biophilic design is grounded in humans' innate affinity for nature, and research shows nature elements in care environments reduce stress hormones and pain.

Which psychological concept explains why patients feel less stressed when they can see the nursing station from their bed?

Answer: Perceived control and social support visibility

Seeing staff nearby gives patients a sense that help is available, which reduces anxiety and increases perceived safety.

Research by Roger Ulrich on healthcare environments most famously demonstrated that:

Answer: Patients with window views of trees had shorter stays and less pain medication use than those facing a wall

Ulrich's 1984 study found surgical patients with nature views recovered faster and needed less analgesia, establishing a cornerstone of EBD.

What is 'environmental stressor theory' as it relates to healthcare facility design?

Answer: The concept that physical features like noise, crowding, and poor lighting compound patient physiological stress

Environmental stressor theory holds that negative physical environmental features activate the body's stress response, worsening health outcomes.

In EBD, 'prospect and refuge' theory suggests that patients heal better in rooms that offer:

Answer: Wide views outward (prospect) combined with a sense of safe enclosure (refuge)

Prospect-and-refuge theory posits that humans prefer environments with broad outward views and protected backing, reducing vigilance and stress.

Which color palette is most supported by EBD research for patient rooms to promote calm and reduce anxiety?

Answer: Soft blues, greens, and earth tones derived from nature

Nature-inspired palettes of soft blues, greens, and earth tones consistently lower reported patient anxiety compared to institutional whites or bold colors.