Veidlapa Nr. M-3 (8)
Study Course Description

Ecopsychology

Main Study Course Information

Course Code
VPUPK_345
Branch of Science
Psychology
ECTS
3.00
Target Audience
Biology; Business Management; Civil and Military Defense; Clinical Pharmacy; Communication Science; Dentistry; Health Management; Information and Communication Science; Juridical Science; Law; Life Science; Management Science; Marketing and Advertising; Medical Services; Medical Technologies; Medicine; Nursing Science; Pedagogy; Person and Property Defence; Pharmacy; Political Science; Psychology; Public Health; Social Anthropology; Social Welfare and Social Work; Sociology; Sports Trainer
LQF
All Levels
Study Type And Form
Full-Time; Part-Time

Study Course Implementer

Course Supervisor
Structure Unit Manager
Structural Unit
Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy
Contacts

Riga, Dzirciema Street 16, vppk@rsu.lv, +37167061587

About Study Course

Objective

To develop knowledge about ecopsychology as a new direction of integrative psychology, its main concepts and the latest research in the field, to create an understanding of the influence of the natural environment on human psychological processes and the possibilities of nature-based therapies to promote mental health. Develop competencies in the use of ecopsychology concepts and techniques both in personal life and in future professional activities.

Preliminary Knowledge

Basic knowledge of general psychology.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge

1.Defines the model of the direction of ecopsychology, the authors and theories of the creation of the direction of development. Identifies ecopsychological research directions, environment and mental health interactions, eco-bio-psycho-socio systems network in connection with psychological welfare. Names the application forms of ecopsychology, therapies based on ecopsychology, ecopsychological counseling and principles of ecopsychotherapy. Describes ecopsychological practices and therapeutic techniques, approaches of ecopsychology possibilities of integration in psychological help.

Skills

1.Describes the models of the ecopsychology direction, the authors and theories of the creation of the development direction. Oriented eco-psychological research directions, environmental and mental health interactions, networks of eco-bio-psycho-socio systems and their connection with psychological well-being. Recognizes and compares forms of application of ecopsychology, therapies based on ecopsychology, principles of ecopsychological counseling and ecopsychotherapy. Illustrates ecopsychological practices and therapeutic ones techniques, possibilities of integration of ecopsychology approach in psychological help.

Competences

1.Analyzes the models of the ecopsychology direction, the approaches and theories of the authors of the development direction. Produces ecopsychological research, environmental and mental health interactions, eco-bio-psycho-socio systems networks in relation to psychological well-being. Plans the application of ecopsychology forms, ecopsychology-based therapies, ecopsychological counseling and ecopsychotherapy principles in practice. Apply ecopsychological practices and therapeutic techniques, integration of ecopsychological approach in psychological help.

Assessment

Individual work

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Individual work

-
-
Students study literature as part of independent work, participate in group work and discussions, learn and improve individuallypractical skills of ecopsychological techniques and perform exercises. Learns the video lecture material and fills it outself-tests on lecture topics. Develops an individual program of eco-psychological support and presents it in the seminar class. In order to evaluate the quality of the study course as a whole, the student must fill out the study course evaluation questionnaire on the Student Portal.

Examination

Title
% from total grade
Grade
1.

Examination

-
-
As the field of ecopsychology continues to develop, the topic will examine the potential for synergistic relationships between ecological and psychological health. The integration of nature into therapeutic practices offers promising opportunities for addressing the complex interactions between the individual and the environment. It will be discussed how the natural environment becomes an integral part of the therapeutic process,realizing the impact of environmental problems on mental health. The concepts of eco-anxiety, eco-depression and eco-deficit will be covered. 1. How do ecological and psychological health intersect and influence each other? 2. What are examples of nature's integrative therapeutic practices and how do they differ from traditional therapeutic approaches? 3. How can understanding the interaction between man and nature affect the therapeutic process? 4. What are the manifestations of mental health disorders related to ecological anxiety, ecological depression and ecological deficit?
2.

Examination

-
-
Ecopsychology is an interdisciplinary field that studies the interrelationship between human psychology and the natural environment. The topic examines the ways in which the environment affects a person's psychological well-being and vice versa. As a field, ecopsychology encompasses various dimensions, including cognitive components, that explore the complex relationships between human cognition, mental health, and the natural environment. The topic provides an insight into the cognitive aspects of ecopsychology, emphasizing the understanding of health and psychological well-being within the cooperation and integration of ecosystems, perceiving man as an ecological system. 1. What is the historical development of ecopsychology? 2. What are the theoretical foundations of ecopsychology? 3. What are the main authors and influences from other fields of science? 4. What does the term "connection with the natural environment" mean in the context of ecopsychology?
3.

Examination

-
10 points

1. Studying video lectures, performing self-tests, active participation in practical classes - 20%. 2. Goal setting and drawing up an eco-psychological plan for mental health support, which is presented in a seminar class - 30%. 3. Scientific research analysis of the latest findings in ecopsychology, which is presented in the seminar class - 20%. 4. Individual development of an eco-psychological intervention plan, which is presented in a seminar class - 30%. The final rating is posted out of 10 points scale.

Study Course Theme Plan

FULL-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

The theoretical model of the direction of ecopsychology. The history of the development of ideas in ecopsychology. The main authors and the theoretical model of the creation of the direction of ecopsychology
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

The theoretical model of the direction of ecopsychology. The history of the development of ideas in ecopsychology. The main authors and the theoretical model of the creation of the direction of ecopsychology
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

The theoretical model of the direction of ecopsychology. The history of the development of ideas in ecopsychology. The main authors and the theoretical model of the creation of the direction of ecopsychology
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

The theoretical model of the direction of ecopsychology. The history of the development of ideas in ecopsychology. The main authors and the theoretical model of the creation of the direction of ecopsychology
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Directions of ecopsychological research. The relationship between environment and mental health. The ecological, biological, psychological and social systems network and its relation to psychological well-being.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Directions of ecopsychological research. The relationship between environment and mental health. The ecological, biological, psychological and social systems network and its relation to psychological well-being.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Directions of ecopsychological research. The relationship between environment and mental health. The ecological, biological, psychological and social systems network and its relation to psychological well-being.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Directions of ecopsychological research. The relationship between environment and mental health. The ecological, biological, psychological and social systems network and its relation to psychological well-being.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Application forms of ecopsychology. Therapies based on ecopsychology. Ecopsychological counseling and ecopsychotherapy.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Application forms of ecopsychology. Therapies based on ecopsychology. Ecopsychological counseling and ecopsychotherapy.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Application forms of ecopsychology. Therapies based on ecopsychology. Ecopsychological counseling and ecopsychotherapy.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Application forms of ecopsychology. Therapies based on ecopsychology. Ecopsychological counseling and ecopsychotherapy.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Eco Psychological practices and therapeutic techniques. Integration of the Eco Psychology approach in the field of psychological assistance for individuals, organizations and society.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Eco Psychological practices and therapeutic techniques. Integration of the Eco Psychology approach in the field of psychological assistance for individuals, organizations and society.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Eco Psychological practices and therapeutic techniques. Integration of the Eco Psychology approach in the field of psychological assistance for individuals, organizations and society.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
Off site
E-Studies platform
2

Topics

Eco Psychological practices and therapeutic techniques. Integration of the Eco Psychology approach in the field of psychological assistance for individuals, organizations and society.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)
PART-TIME
Part 1
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

The theoretical model of the direction of ecopsychology. The history of the development of ideas in ecopsychology. The main authors and the theoretical model of the creation of the direction of ecopsychology
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

The theoretical model of the direction of ecopsychology. The history of the development of ideas in ecopsychology. The main authors and the theoretical model of the creation of the direction of ecopsychology
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Directions of ecopsychological research. The relationship between environment and mental health. The ecological, biological, psychological and social systems network and its relation to psychological well-being.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Directions of ecopsychological research. The relationship between environment and mental health. The ecological, biological, psychological and social systems network and its relation to psychological well-being.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Application forms of ecopsychology. Therapies based on ecopsychology. Ecopsychological counseling and ecopsychotherapy.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Application forms of ecopsychology. Therapies based on ecopsychology. Ecopsychological counseling and ecopsychotherapy.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Eco Psychological practices and therapeutic techniques. Integration of the Eco Psychology approach in the field of psychological assistance for individuals, organizations and society.
  1. Lecture

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Eco Psychological practices and therapeutic techniques. Integration of the Eco Psychology approach in the field of psychological assistance for individuals, organizations and society.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

The theoretical model of the direction of ecopsychology. The history of the development of ideas in ecopsychology. The main authors and the theoretical model of the creation of the direction of ecopsychology
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

The theoretical model of the direction of ecopsychology. The history of the development of ideas in ecopsychology. The main authors and the theoretical model of the creation of the direction of ecopsychology
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Directions of ecopsychological research. The relationship between environment and mental health. The ecological, biological, psychological and social systems network and its relation to psychological well-being.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Directions of ecopsychological research. The relationship between environment and mental health. The ecological, biological, psychological and social systems network and its relation to psychological well-being.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Application forms of ecopsychology. Therapies based on ecopsychology. Ecopsychological counseling and ecopsychotherapy.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Application forms of ecopsychology. Therapies based on ecopsychology. Ecopsychological counseling and ecopsychotherapy.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Eco Psychological practices and therapeutic techniques. Integration of the Eco Psychology approach in the field of psychological assistance for individuals, organizations and society.
  1. Class/Seminar

Modality
Location
Contact hours
On site
Study room
2

Topics

Eco Psychological practices and therapeutic techniques. Integration of the Eco Psychology approach in the field of psychological assistance for individuals, organizations and society.
Total ECTS (Creditpoints):
3.00
Contact hours:
32 Academic Hours
Final Examination:
Exam (Written)

Bibliography

Required Reading

1.

Armenis, A. (2020). Ecopsychology: A Theoretical Conceptualization. Independently Published.Suitable for English stream

2.

Conesa-Sevilla, J. (2019). Ecopsychology Revisited: For Whom Do the 'Nature' Bells Toll? Humboldt State UniversitySuitable for English stream

3.

International Handbook of Forest Therapy (2021). Cambridge Scholars PublishingSuitable for English stream

4.

Molnos, Z. (2019). The Ecopsychological Paradigm Model. Hungary. Ecopsychology InstitutSuitable for English stream

Additional Reading

1.

Ecopsychology. Journal. Editor-in-Chief: Peter H. Kahn Jr., PhD.Suitable for English stream

2.

European Journal of Ecopsychology.Suitable for English stream

3.

The Trumpheter, Journal of Ecosophy. ISSN 0832-6193 (Print)Suitable for English stream

Other Information Sources

1.

International Centre for EcopsychologySuitable for English stream

2.

International Ecopsychology SocietySuitable for English stream