Eco-Psychology Vocabulary Bank

Together, we can reshape the way we think and talk about climate and mental health. By leveraging language as a tool for awareness and action, we can spark early conversations that reframe how we respond to environmental challenges. Through shared understanding and intentional communication, we can lay the groundwork for a more emotionally resilient and ecologically connected future.

A glossary of terms to navigate conversations at the intersection of climate change, environment, and mental health.

  
      Vocabulary Term
      Definition
    
      Eco-psychology
      A field that explores the relationship between humans and the natural environment, aiming to understand and heal the emotional bond between people and the Earth.
    
      Psychoterratic Syndromes
      A group of mental health conditions arising from negative relationships with one's environment.
    
      Eco-anxiety
      The chronic fear, anxiety, and distress about one's future stemming from the impacts of climate change and ecological crises.
    
      Environmental PTSD
      Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms triggered by environmental disasters or degradation, leading to long-term psychological effects.
    
      Biophilia
      The innate human tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.
    
      Solastalgia
      A form of emotional distress caused by environmental changes close to one's home, leading to feelings of loss and homesickness while still at home.
    
      Ecopsychoanalysis
      A transdisciplinary approach examining the connections between psychoanalysis, ecology, and the natural world, focusing on the psychological impacts of environmental issues.
    
      Eco-therapy
      A therapeutic practice that involves engaging with nature to improve mental and physical well-being.
    
      Soliphilia
      A deep love and sense of responsibility for the interconnectedness of all places and people, fostering collective action to protect the planet.
    
      Topophilia
      An emotional connection and affection for a particular place or environment.
    
      Environmental Identity
      A sense of connection to the natural environment that influences one's self-concept and behaviors.
    
      Environmental Culture
      The shared values, practices, and beliefs of a community regarding the relationship between humans and the natural environment.
    
      Environmental Consciousness
      An awareness and concern about environmental issues, leading to behaviors aimed at protecting the environment.