The Effects of Population Density
and Noise
There are a variety of factors that affect an individual. Among
these factors are population density and noise. When an individual’s territory,
privacy, and personal space is infringed upon, the individual can feel various
effects. These effects can range from annoyance to anxiety and anxiety
disorders. As population density increases making territory, privacy, and
personal space infringed upon, provisions should be made to avoid the effects
of crowding causing anxiety and other problems.
Territoriality, Privacy, and Personal Space
Territoriality is used to describe the link between the
environment and behavior of an individual (Edney, 1974). Territoriality is also
used to describe the set of behaviors an individual has in response to the
physical environment. These behaviors are used exclusively by the individual.
Human territoriality is related to the territoriality seen in animals. However,
human territoriality is usually not about survival like human territoriality.
Humans are known to be territorial over spaces owned or using. When a human
feels their space is being infringed, they become protective over such spaces.
According to Altman (1977), privacy is “the selective control of
access to the self, involving dialectic, optimization, and multimodal processes”
(p. 67). Privacy does not only refer to an individual alone, but also to the
individual’s interactions with others. Privacy is the process where an
individual can sometimes make themselves available or unavailable to others
(Altman, 1977). Privacy is different for each individual and situation.
Personal space is the distance an individual chooses to keep between
themselves and others. Personal space and territoriality are both used by
individuals to maintain privacy. Sommer (1969) defined personal space as “an
area with invisible boundaries surrounding a person’s body into which intruders
may not come” (p. 26). Personal space is also different for each individual and
situation.
Territoriality,
Privacy, and Personal Space as Population Density Increases
In a study by John Calhoun, rats were used to demonstrate living
conditions and population density (Straub, 2007). This study showed that the
rats behaved normally while they had sufficient space. As the population
increased and space decreased, the social behavior of the rats also decreased.
The rats became more territorial and defending the space they considered
personal. These studies may not demonstrate a human reaction; however, the
studies show that population density does affect populations.
An effect of population density is crowding. Crowding affects
individuals on making them feel confined which leads to reactions of
aggression, withdrawal, and inappropriate social interactions. Privacy,
personal space, and territoriality should be honored in an effort to decrease
crowding. Therefore, these three should be respected as a basic need.
Individuals who feel they have lost control of privacy and personal space react
negatively. In order for an individual to perceive their space as adequate, a
space should be designed to appear bigger than it is (Straub, 2007). This, in
turn, will reduce the perception of crowding.
The Effect of Nature on Individuals in
Urban Environments
Zoos, parks, and other green areas can help individuals have
interaction with nature. These interactions aid individuals in obtaining
environmental identity that lacks in urban environments. Previous theories
stated that natural environments affected the health of individuals. More
modern research upholds these theories. A Japanese study reported that green
spaces close to residences resulted in lower mortality rates (Clayton &
Myers, 2009). Residents of greener environments also had less violence, closer
relationships, and more positive social reactions.
Noise
and its Effects on Individuals
Health psychologists have conducted studies to learn the
relationship between noise and individuals. Stress is a serious condition
caused by increased blood levels and cortisol levels (Straub, 2007). Therefore,
chronic exposure to noise can lead to cardiovascular disease. Children exposed
to noise may not learn as they should. Straub (2007) has also concluded that
loud noise affects short – term memory and the ability to perform tasks. The
more disturbing the noise, the more it will affect the individual. Noise also
affects sleep and may cause anxiety; thus affecting the health of an
individual. An individual may be more stressed over a noise they do not have
control over.
Noise
Reduction Strategies
Two noise reduction strategies are using fabric as a reducer and
masking noises. Fabric over windows and as wall décor can help eliminate noise
entering from the outside. Stuffed furnishings may also help with this
elimination. Insulation within the walls serves as a noise buffer. Covering
windows with fabric closely simulates the insulation, by trapping sounds.
Carpeting also serves as a noise reducer and is better than hard floors.
Masking noise with other sounds can also help reduce noise. There
are machines that can be purchased to mask sounds. Other simple items such as a
fan can also help reduce sounds. This masking is called white noise. While this
method does not eliminate the noise, it lowers an individual’s awareness of
them.
Conclusion
Territoriality, privacy, and personal
space are personal choices and vary between individuals. The effects on an
individual also vary. Studies show that limited space does negatively affect
individuals. In urban environments, these effects can be aggression, violence,
and poor interactions. Noise can be a simple annoyance or can cause severe
health problems. In an effort to reduce the effects of noise, noise reduction
strategies are used. Population density and noise affect individuals although
differently.
References
Altman, I. (1977). Privacy regulation:
culturally universal or culturally specific? Journal of Social Issues, 33(3), 66-84.
Clayton, S., & Myers, G. (2009). Conservation psychology. Hoboken, NJ:
Wiley-Blackwell.
Edney, J. J. (1974). Human
territoriality. Psychological Bulletin,
81(12), 959-975. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/h0037444
Sommer, R. (1969). Personal space; the behavioral basis of design. Englewood Cliffs,
NJ: Prentice-Hall.
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