Dissertation Title:

The Impact of Light Pollution on the Human Psyche and Health

Candidate:

Jordan Perzik

Date, Time & Place:

December 16, 2018 at 2:00 pm
Studio, Lambert Road campus


Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of light pollution and resulting loss of the night sky on human psychology. The basic design of this study was a combined hermeneutical and scientific review of literature on topics related to light pollution. The areas reviewed included the psychological, ecological, spiritual, and medical impacts of light pollution on humans, society, and ecosystems along with definitions of light pollution and a further analysis of emerging themes. The major findings and trends found in this study revealed extensive evidence of numerous detrimental influences linked to light pollution. An overall interpretation of trends in the literature concluded that light pollution not only affects each of the explored areas, it also results from a much larger dualistic and cultural disconnection from the natural world, negatively impacting the human psyche, health, and society in a number of startling ways. Ecopsychology and alternative lighting approaches were outlined to explore ways to heal this dualistic split between human psyche and nature as well as lessoning the impact of light pollution on the dark night sky.

Note

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Details
  • Program/Track/Year: Clinical Psychology, Track O, 2010
  • Chair: Dr. Roger Dafter
  • Reader: Dr. Douglas Thomas
  • External Reader: Dr. Megan Wagner
  • Keywords: Ecopsychology, Light Pollution, Global Warming, Night Sky, Spirituality, Mood Disorders