INDEX

S.NO. NAME OF THE PAGE SIGNATURE

PRACTICAL NO. AND
REMARKS

INTRODUCTION
1 TO APPLIED 1-2
SOCIAL
PSYCHOLOGY

FOCUS GROUP
2 DISCUSSION [FGD] 3-34
PRACTICAL
 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY IN APPLIED CONTEXT

PRACTICAL

HARJOT SINGH

PSY/22/19

Introduction to social psychology

Social psychology as the Scientific field of psychology that seeks to understand the. Nature and

causes of individual behaviour , feeling and thought in social situations . It investigate the ways

in which our thoughts, feelings and actions are influenced by the social environments in which

we live - by other people or our thoughts about them .

Social Psychology as a science : Science doesn’t refer to a special group of highly advanced

fields but therefore it refers to two things 1) a set of values and 2) several methods that can be

used to study wide range of topics Core values that all fields must adopt to be considered as

Scientific in nature and social psychology is deeply committed to these values :

Accuracy: precise, error-free measurement and collection of information (i.e., data)

Objectivity: minimization of bias in data collection and proposition testing

Skepticism: refusing to believe findings and conclusions without rigorous verification

Open-mindedness: readiness to accept as valid evidence that may be inconsistent with one’s

initial, and perhaps strongly held, beliefs or theories

Ethics: acceptance of the absolute importance of ethical behavior in conducting research

Introduction to applied social psychology

Applied social psychology refers to the field of social psychology that uses social psychological

theories, principles, methods and research findings that contribute to (a) understanding of social

and practical problems and (b) development of intervention strategies separation of individuals,

groups, organizations, communities and societies from social and practical problems .

According to the applied social psychology definition above ,functioning broadly encompasses

how well people are fulfil or act according to certain criteria, including, for example, emotional

and social criteria adjustment, physical health and performance at school, work or sport.

Applied social psychology as a branch of social psychology by definition is a science and

Thus, it is based on the scientific method and guided by the basic values of science. In addition,

Applied social psychologists are also motivated by the aforementioned goals of science:

describing, Prediction, cause and explanation.

AIM - To understand the different causal factors of Environmental issues and also to understand

Affective, Behavioural and Cognitive changes to promote Environmental awareness using

Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) Especially using Focus Group Discussion

Objectives:

To understand the importance of Environment in our life .

To understand the different Environmental issues in present context

To understand Participative Learning and Action method

To suggest Affective, Behavioural and Cognition related changes in our life to make a better

environment .

BASIC CONCEPTS :

CONCEPTS OF PRA AND PLA

PRA- PARTICIPATORY RURAL APPRAISAL

PLA PARTICIPATORY LEARNING AND ACTION

PRA as approach used by NGOs in late 1970s and this approach aims to incorporate the

knowledge and opinion of rural society in researches .

 PRINCIPLES OF PLA

Reverse learning : It involves face to face leaning from the local people directly on the

site .

Learning rapidly and progressively : Using flexible, cross checking and adaptive

methods while denying the rigid methods.

Offsetting biases : It includes learning concerns and priorities of poor people by being

relaxed ,listening .

Optimising trade offs : Following principles of cost effective and optimal ignorance .

Triangulating : Using more than one method to gain types of knowledge.

Seeking Diversity : It focuses on gaining maximum diversity and information and seeks

variability.

Facilitating : Focuses on analysis ,presenting , owning the outcome and also learn from

it .

Self critical awareness : Self learning ( examining the behaviour and welcoming error

and try them to do better)

Sharing of information : It is basically sharing ideas and information between

people ,organization etc. .

 METHODS AND APPROACHES OF PLA

Review of secondary sources : Secondary sources includes journal, newspaper article ,

research paper etc. .

Direct Observations: Involvement of physical participation and observation to posses

answer of central question .

Key Indicators : Unit of information that provide a basis for assessing importance and

achievement .

Semi structured interview : It is a kind of interview in which there is open ended

questions on relevant issues followed by the further questions .

Focus group discussions : It is a discussion among a selected group to discuss a issue in

depth or provide additional useful information .

Ranking and scoring : Scoring and ranking as the method supply information on the

basis with comparisons which aid to prioritize solutions that are relevant and adoptable.

Construction and analysis of maps and models : Participatory mapping provides

information related to the distribution of limited physical space settlement . The

construction of model provides long lasting demonstration on the prior knowledge

Diagramming : Diagramming is used for summarizing empirical information and

summarizing analyse information .

Case studies and stories : Case studies are in depth information and used in special cases.

Stories – life history- oral or written and handled with care.

Drama, games and role plays : This method is the most favourable method for bringing

sensitive issues into the open or in public .

Workshop: Brief intensive educational program for a relatively small group of people that

focuses especially on techniques and skills in particular field.

Triangulation or multiple strategies: Triangulation is a processes of using more than one

often three sources of information or strategies for overcome the problem .

Continuous analysis and reporting: PLA method is a Participatory method which involves

potential participation in all the stages of the study. So in this method participants

continuously make analysis of the problems and report to the local people or the

authorities .

Participatory, planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluation and other self surveys: This

method shows the ultimate aim of the PLA method and the processes that requires to

overcome any of the problem .

CONCEPT OF ENVIRONMENT

The concept of environment typically refers to the physical, social, cultural, and

psychological factors that surround and influence individuals or groups within a

particular context.

Here's how the concept of environment is relevant to focus group discussions:

Physical environments :

Location and Setting : The physical location where the focus group takes place can

impact participant’s comfort and openness. A comfortable and neutral setting is usually

preferred to encourage honest and open discussions.

Accessibility : Considerations about how easily participants can access the venue are

essential to ensure diverse representation.

Social environments :

Group Dynamics : The social dynamics within the group, such as power structures or

existing relationships among participants, can influence the flow of the discussion.

Cultural Context : Understanding the cultural background of participants is crucial, as

cultural factors can shape perspectives and opinions on the topic under discussion.

Psychological environment :

Emotional Climate : The emotional atmosphere of the discussion can impact participant’s

willingness to share their thoughts and experiences. Fostering a supportive and non-

judgmental environment is essential.

Participant Comfort : Ensuring that participants feel comfortable and respected is crucial

for creating an environment where they feel safe expressing their opinions.
 Different Environmental issues

Some key environmental issues that could be the focus of group discussions :

Climate change :

Explore participant’s perceptions of climate change.

Discuss how climate change is impacting their communities, lifestyles, and livelihoods.

Gather ideas on potential mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Air quality :

Assess perceptions of air pollution in the local area.

Discuss health implications and quality of life concerns related to air quality.

Explore potential solutions and community initiatives to improve air quality.

Biodiversity loss :

Understand participant’s awareness of biodiversity issues.

Discuss the impacts of biodiversity loss on ecosystems and human well-being.

Explore potential actions to address and reverse biodiversity decline.

Waste management :

Discuss the issue towards waste generation and disposal.

Explore recycling practices and awareness of waste management systems.

Generate ideas for reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption.

Energy consumption :

Explore the issue towards energy use and sources.

Discuss potential shifts toward renewable energy and energy conservation.

Assess awareness and opinions on the environmental impact of different energy sources.

Global Warming :

The burning of fossil fuels, emissions from automobiles and chlorofluorocarbons add to

the greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. This has led to an increase in the earth’s

temperature causing environmental changes. This increase in temperature across the

globe is known as global warming

Concept of Affective, Behaviour and Cognitive and how we can connect with

Environmental Awareness(ABC Model of Psychology)

The ABC component of attitude in psychology , which stands for Affective (emotional),

Behavioural(tendency to act ) and Cognitive(thinking)components, is a framework used

to understand how individuals respond to various stimuli or situations. Here's how we can

connect it with environmental awareness:

Affective Component: This relates to the emotional aspect of a person's response to

environmental issues. When trying to promote environmental awareness, you can appeal

to people's emotions by highlighting the beauty of nature, the potential negative

emotional impacts of environmental degradation (e.g., sadness about deforestation or

pollution), and the positive emotions associated with conservation efforts (e.g., happiness

in participating in clean-up initiatives).

Behavioural Component: This aspect deals with the actions and behaviours individuals

take in response to their emotions and cognitions. To connect with environmental

awareness, you can encourage pro-environmental behaviours such as recycling, reducing

waste, conserving energy, and participating in community clean-up events. It's important

to make these actions accessible and appealing to people.

Cognitive Component: This component pertains to a person's thoughts, beliefs, and

understanding of environmental issues. To connect with environmental awareness, you

can provide information about the environmental impact of human activities, the benefits

of sustainable practices, and the consequences of neglecting the environment. This helps

individuals develop a cognitive understanding of why environmental awareness is

important.
In summary, to promote environmental awareness using the ABC Model, you can appeal

to people's emotions (Affective), encourage pro-environmental behaviours (Behavioural),

and provide information and knowledge about environmental issues (Cognitive). By

addressing all three components, you can create a more comprehensive approach to

fostering environmental awareness and encouraging sustainable actions.

Review of literature

Consumer attitudes on the use of plastic and cloth bags. Erkan,A Y, Veysel (2017) Cons

Environment, Development and Sustainability 19, 1219-1234. View at link.springer.com

, Erkan,A Y, Veysel in this paper( Consumer attitudes on the use of plastic and cloth

bags) discussed about consumer attitudes and behavior on the use of plastic and cloth

bags in Eskişehir, Turkey. To this end, a structural equation model is proposed.

Environmental consciousness regarding the use of plastic bags, social pressure, support

for the banning of plastic bags, the intention to use cloth bags and behavior to reduce

plastic bag use are employed as latent variables in the model.

Effect of global warming on temperature rise due to pollution in the capital city of New

Delhi, India in past 25 years, Dr.Chouhan .A , Dr. Mishra .S , Dr. Kumar .A , Dr.
Devi .K.S , Dr Dongre .S.B , (2023), Bulletin of Environmental, pharmacology and life

sciences ,

Dr.Chouhan .A , Dr. Mishra .S , Dr. Kumar .A , Dr. Devi .K.S , Dr Dongre .S.B in this

paper (Effect of global warming on temperature rise due to pollution in the capital city of

New Delhi, India in past 25 years ) discussed about the rise of air pollution over the past

few decades .Air pollution and climate change have become major global concerns. In

light of this concern about Indian cities, where air pollution and climate change have a

significant health impact . Human Health is at risk from the expanding urban areas that

experience extreme climate events like high rainfall extreme temperature Floods, and

droughts. Urban residents are experiencing thermal discomfort and a number of health

issues as a result of the Elevated temperature levels brought on by the intensified heat

waves brought on by climate change.

Greenhouse Effect: Greenhouse Gases and Their Impact on Global Warming ,

Kweku ,D.W , Bismarck .A , Maxwell .A, et al ., ( 2018) ,Journal of Scientific Research

& Reports ,

Kweku .D.W , Bismarck .A , Maxwell .A, et.al , in this paper ( Greenhouse Effect:

Greenhouse Gases and Their Impact on Global Warming ) discussed about the

Greenhouse effect . The green house gases are the leading factor in keeping the Earth

warm because it keeps some of the planet's heat that would otherwise escape from the

atmosphere out to space. The study report on the Greenhouse gases and their impact on

Global warming. Without the greenhouse effect the Earth's average global temperature

would be much colder and life on Earth as we know it would be impossible.

Plastic pollution and potential solutions , Christopher,.J.R (2018) , Science progress 101

(3), 207-260. View at journals.sagepub.com ,

Christopher,.J.R focused on presented of the manufacture and use of different types of

plastic, and the Effects of pollution by these materials on animal, human and

environmental health, Insofar as this is known. Since 2004, the world has made as much

plastic as it did in The previous half century, and it has been reckoned that the total mass

of virgin plastics Ever made amounts to 8.3 billion tonnes, mainly derived from natural

gas and crude oil, Used as chemical feedstocks and fuel sources.

Potential use of plastic waste as construction materials: recent progress and future

prospect , Kamaruddin,M.A, Abdullah, M.M.A (2017) , IOP Conference Series:

Materials Science and Engineering 267 (1), 012011, 2017. View at iopscience.iop.org .

Kamaruddin,M.A, Abdullah, M.M.A in this paper ( Potential use of plastic waste as

construction materials: recent progress and future prospect) researched about Plastic

associates products based have been considered as the world most consumer packaging

solution. Recycling of plastic waste as valued added product such as concrete appears as

one of promising solution for alternative use of plastic waste. This paper summarized

recent progress on the development of concrete mixture which incorporates plastic wastes

as partial aggregate replacement during concrete manufacturing.

Problem faced by the public due to the improper waste disposal and behaviour of waste

disposal , Geetha R, Rajalakshmi S (2019) , International Journal of Social Sciences and

Management 7 (2), 70-77, 2020. View at searchgate.net ,

Geetha R, Rajalakshmi , S examined about the solid waste management ,it is not only

necessary for maintaining the hygienic environment but in reducing the probable health

hazards. The current study deals with the problems faced by the public due to improper

waste management and the behaviour in waste disposal. The data used in our study is

both primary and the secondary data .

METHOD

Focus group discussions

A focus group discussion is like an interview with a group. It generates thick description

and qualitative information in response to questions or discussion topics posed by the

moderator. Using focus groups, researchers can assess similarities and differences among

individuals and allow participants to elaborate on ideas and themes by reacting to each

other, not just to an interviewer.

In focus group research, the group, not the individual, is the unit of analysis: The sample

size is one for each group. Individual comments are not independent of other group

members; indeed, one of the purposes of the focus group is to elicit discussion. Each

group is usually composed of 6–12 participants who share some characteristic of concern

to the researchers—for example, the same race, gender, culture, or age, similar

occupations, or the same health problem.

This homogeneity helps to promote free discussion and ability of participants to be able

to identify with each other’s’ experiences. A group of strangers is preferred to minimize

the effects of prior personal contacts. Multiple focus groups are needed to provide

broader information and to compare populations (husbands vs. wives, for example).

However, as with qualitative interviewing, samples are seldom representative of a large

population. The goal is to generate contextual understanding.

Advantages of FGD-

Focus groups have several advantages over other qualitative methods. Researchers can

structure discussion and learn about topics of interest and personal experiences of others

more easily than with participant observation. Compared to individual interviews, focus

groups allow greater access to shared knowledge and mutual discussion. They also allow

researchers to observe social interaction among group participants, perhaps revealing

behavioural patterns unavailable in individual interviews. Focus groups are especially

useful for gaining cultural understanding. They also can help explore a topic or test

questionnaires prior to quantitative studies.

Disadvantages of FGD-

A focus group moderator has less flexibility to ask for elaboration, control changes of

topic, or learn about individuals in depth than an interviewer of individuals. Focus groups

are not a good approach for understanding an individual’s unique experiences and cannot

simply be used as a substitute for individual interviewing.

Recruitment of participants- Participants were from second year of BA Psychology

(Hons) from Aryabhatta College.

Focus group discussion guidelines –

The discussion was recorded.

Phones were not allowed to be used by any of the participant during the session.

The discussion was open to everyone and anyone was allowed to talk about the issues

and solutions at any point of time.

Facilitating the discussion and recording

Facilitate the discussion and recording - To facilitate the discussion, a moderator was

chosen who asked multiple questions about the environmental issues and problems we

are facing. The participants were required to speak about these issues and give their

perspectives and solutions. The note taker had to note down all these issues and solutions

that were spoken by the participants. The session was recorded by phone and it lasted for

46 minutes.

Procedure

Topic generation – - It is the most relevant topic among other environmental topics. As

the human population is increasing rapidly, humans are exploiting the natural resources

on a high rate. Therefore, it has become a huge problem for us today. As humans, it is our

responsibility to understand these issues, manage them and find possible solutions to

these issues.

Group formation – There were 10 members from each group which were selected on the

basis of their roll numbers. Out of 10 participants, 1 was a moderator and 1 was a note

taker. The rest were speakers who spoke about the environmental issues and solutions
 Physical planning of the FGD - FGD took place on 19th September 2023 at 1:30 pm in

Psychology Lab 1A .

Agenda- Environmental issues and solutions

Moderator- Gaurav Singh

Note Taker- Jiya Aggarwal

FGD members –

Harjot Singh

JS Joshua Rochanhlu

Harshita Singh

Hardik Khurana

Isha Bagraa

Kashish

Diya Jaiswal

Karma Stanba

Discussion and Analysis

The aim of this Focused Group Discussion was to discuss about the two way relationship

between human beings and their environment and its ABC components. We discussed

about the problems in our environment and the subsequent solutions which we, as a

group, could think of to deal with the same. We also talked about how the issues which

we face in our environment could affect our emotions, actions and thinking i.e. affective,

behavioural and cognitive components respectively or ABC components. In the FGD,

there were total 10 members, out of which, we had one moderator and one note-taker.

The moderator guided the discussion in a way that it was open and everyone got a chance

to participate in the same. He also used few questions to smoothly direct the discussion.

After the completion of our FGD, we got to know about the myriad number of

environmental issues which we face on this planet. The discussed environmental issues

along with their psychological impacts and their solutions are discussed below.

Environmental issues pose a significant threat to our planet’s sustainability, demanding

urgent attention. Climate change, accelerated by greenhouse gas emissions, leads to rising

temperatures, extreme weather events, and melting ice caps, jeopardizing ecosystems and

coastal communities. Deforestation and habitat destruction threaten biodiversity, causing

the extinction of numerous species. Pollution, both air and water, contaminates vital

resources and endangers human health, while plastic waste accumulates in oceans,

harming marine life. Depleting natural resources, like fresh water and fossil fuels,

heighten geopolitical tensions. Overpopulation strains resources, exacerbating

environmental challenges. Addressing these issues requires global cooperation,

sustainable practices, renewable energy adoption, conservation efforts, and education to

ensure a greener future for all.

First we discussed environmental issues which we face in our localities. A very prevalent

problem was pointed out by participant 1 and 2 which is noise pollution due to

construction work and uncontrolled traffic. Due to this the ability to concentrate and

focus on the necessary tasks is badly influenced. The mental peace and rest is also

affected very negatively. Also there are Issues of clean water supply and fresh air in our

metropolitan city. Participant 8 mentioned that in his hometown the traditional practices

of cleanliness and toilet-use which were eco-friendly are now neglected which poses

threat to mindful use of water and sanitation. While discussing of major global

environmental issues, Air, Soil and Water Pollution, lack of proper Recycling,

Overpopulation, Global Warming and Climate Change are stated as significantly serious

by the participants. The issue of waste management involves the collection,

transportation, processing, recycling, and disposal of waste materials. It’s crucial for

environmental protection and public health. Waste can have several negative impacts on

the environment and society. Inadequately managed waste can contaminate air, soil, and

water, resource depletion, health risk , loss of biodiversity, aesthetic and quality of life

issues , economic cost, greenhouse gas emissions. The issue of inadequate recycling is

another complex challenge, marked by a lack of enthusiasm from both authorities and the

public. This phenomenon can be attributed to several interrelated factors, including

insufficient infrastructure, excuses from authorities, and the public’s perception of

recycling as burdensome rather than a shared responsibility. Human Overpopulation has

various effects most of which are negative. The direct negative effects are mainly scarcity

of food, scarcity of fresh water, unemployment, poverty, misuse of resources,

deforestation, occupying cultivable and forest land for construction, industrial waste etc.

Similarly there are indirect effects like increase in green house gases, cutting hills, ozone

layer depletion and global warming which occurs mainly due to human activities. The

problem of overpopulation become a serious threat to our existence and therefore it is a

global problem.(Dutta and Mrindal, 2019).

Climate change is primarily driven by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels

and deforestation, which release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap

heat and lead to global warming, resulting in a wide range of environmental impacts,

including more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to

ecosystems. It impacts agriculture, economy, human and plant life badly. The impacts of

climate change have already significantly affected livelihoods and living conditions,

especially of the poorest and most vulnerable, and will continue to undermine

development during the coming century. Past assessments have identified the linkages

between climate change, poverty, livelihoods and human vulnerability, and shown how

climate change leads to differential consequences for different communities and

populations. Participant 6 mentioned as per the reports given by The Intergovernmental

Panel on Climate Change (IPCC ), it gives a serious warning of climate change to India,

as per the reports, Mumbai , Navi Mumbai , Kolkata, Chennai, , Kochi and Parts of Goa

might go underwater because of rising sea level due to global warming (IPCC, 2021). A

study shows that 10 lakh people died in India due to air pollution . Among the states in
India, Delhi is at the higher levels of exposure to ultra fine particulate matter followed by

Uttar Pradesh, Bihar ,Haryana and Rajasthan (ICMR, 2017). Participant 4 also mentioned

that due to climate change South-Asian cities like Karachi and Delhi are experiencing

extreme heat waves. Urban residents are experiencing thermal discomfort and a number

of health issues due to elevated temperature levels brought by the intensified heat waves

due to climate change and air pollution.(Dr. Chauhan, Dr. Mishra, Dr. Kumar, Dr. Devu

and Dr. Dongre, 2023). Also natural disaster which is inevitable also poses threat to

human and environment. It refers to a catastrophic event that occurs naturally, such as

earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and tsunamis. These events can cause

significant damage to the environment and pose a threat to human lives and

infrastructure. These events lead to many mental health issues to the victims like

depression, phobias, post traumatic stress disorder etc. Green house gases like water

vapour, carbon dioxide, methane halogenated compounds, nitrous oxide and other gases

traps sunlight heat and maintain temperature of the Earth which makes life possible but

due to human activities the amount of these and other harmful gases is increasing which

collectively leads to global warming which causes sea level rise, glacier melting, climate

change, increase in temperature etc.(Kweku, Bismark, Desmond, Mensah, 2017).

Some participant also pointed out that certain religious and cultural practices also affect

our environment. Several festivals have rituals of submerging massive idols of gods’ and

goddesses’ in water bodies. These idols are made with harmful synthetic materials which

contaminate the purity of water and eventually harm the aquatic organisms. Unregulated

Tourism and their inadequate accommodation also poses threat to that place’s natural
resources and aesthetics. Participant 8 mentioned that tourism has affected water

pollution mainly in hilly regions. In Leh , 35,000 tonnes of water is flushed by tourists.

Average usage is around 200 litre per person. Participant 1 and 5 said due to large

amount of non biodegradable waste generation and its inadequate disposal large hills of

waste material are created which pollutes the soil and also contaminate the ground water

during rains.

The affective, behavioural and cognitive aspects related to these issues were also

discussed. Participants explained it through various examples. The difference between an

overcrowded area and a clean, quiet space is clearly felt and experienced. Most of the

people having their home towns away from cities feel much better, healthier, peaceful

and calm there in comparison to the cities. Its total opposite is there in urban, semi-urban

and unhealthy environment, these conditions effects our mental health which also leads to

deteriorating physical health and urges to overeating and indulge into unhealthy practices.

Also many people seeing others not contributing in maintaining and taking responsibility

for the environment, they also neglect their responsibility and lacks motivation..

After discussing environmental issues , our focus now was on how to deal with these

problems at global and local level and also to discuss the role of affective, behavioural

and cognitive components of environment-human relation to come up with innovative

and effective solutions. Addressing environmental challenges necessitates multifaceted

solutions. Transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric

power can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Implementing stringent

environmental regulations and promoting eco-friendly practices in industries can mitigate

pollution. Conservation efforts, reforestation, and protecting natural habitats aid

biodiversity preservation. Recycling initiatives, reducing single-use plastics, and

promoting sustainable consumption habits help combat pollution. Water conservation

measures, like rainwater harvesting, are crucial in areas facing scarcity. Furthermore,

promoting education and awareness about environmental issues fosters a sense of

responsibility among individuals. International cooperation for policies and agreements,

combined with community involvement, can create a sustainable future, ensuring the

well-being of both humanity and the planet. Some problem specific solutions that were

discussed are :-

Climate Change can be mitigated by transition to renewable energy sources, reduce

carbon emissions, and promote energy efficiency. Renewable energy technologies like

wind ,solar, and biomass energy provide an excellent opportunity for mitigation of green

house gases emission and reducing global warming through substituting conventional

energy resources.(Panwar, Kaushik and Kothari , 2011). Public Interventions like support

policies that encourage clean energy adoption, reduce personal carbon footprint, and

advocate for climate action would also help. Deforestation can be reduced and controlled

by promoting sustainable forestry practices and protect forests through conservation

efforts, supporting organizations both by government and general public that work on

reforestation and educate others on the importance of preserving forests. Controlling Air
Pollution requires implementing stricter emissions standards for vehicles and industries,

and promoting public transportation. Public intervention in this can include advocating

for cleaner air regulations, using public transport or carpool, and reduce personal

contributions to air pollution. Water Pollution can be dealt by improving wastewater

treatment, regulate industrial discharges, and reduce the use of harmful chemicals like

lead, mercury etc. Local population should participate in local clean-up efforts, report

instances of pollution, and support policies for clean water. For preventing further

Biodiversity Loss we must establish protected areas, reduce habitat destruction, and

combat invasive species. General public should support conservation organizations,

engage in citizen science, and raise awareness about endangered species. Related to

strategies for Waste Management participants discussed promoting recycling and

composting, reduce single-use plastics, and encourage sustainable product design.

Reducing personal waste, support recycling programs, and participate in community

clean-up events. For combating Overfishing implementing fishing quotas, enforce

sustainable fishing practices, and establish marine protected areas will help. Choosing

sustainably sourced seafood, advocating for responsible fishing policies, and support

marine conservation groups are some steps that the local population can took for the

cause.

Other strategies that were proposed by the participants to tackle with environmental

problems at both larger and smaller scales are as follows: Firstly to make people feel

connected with the nature they suggested that people should go for walk, workout and

meditation activities in open natural space. Also we should opt for minimalist lifestyle
where we should use home made and naturally produced goods more and avoid eating

packaged food as they are unhealthy as well as cause much harm to environment in their

production. To instil responsibility and love for nature students must me motivated and

helped in activities which are eco-friendly like one of which was proposed by one of

participants is teaching students how to utilize waste plastic bottles to construct shelters

and homes which can be used for animals and people in need and carrying out games and

activities which connects them to nature. Using plastic waste in melted form with the

construction material of roads as research proved that it gives more durability to the

roads. Educational and awareness drives in tourist zones are helpful as it educates both

tourists and local people thus generates a sense of responsibility among and pride in

being part of that place. More effective methods to tackle with global warming are

motivating people to use public transport and doing carpooling. Constructing homes in a

way that ventilation is proper and material used helps to keep homes cool thus reduce use

of air conditioners. In a study (Baimel and Preston,1949) it was found that cross

culturally, religious traditions around the world doctrinally support concern for and

behavioural commitments to protecting the natural world. Thus we should educate ourself

of these values prescribed in our religious doctrines and promote them for a larger good

and give up wrong practices of the culture which are harming our nature.

During our overall discussion, we discussed about the environmental issues, their cause

and solutions. This discussion is different from the conventional discussions as we just

not focused on the physical components but had seen the whole scenario with a new

perspective in which we put emphasis on the psychological sides of the human-

environment relationship. The two way relation of humans and environment consists of

affective, behavioural and cognitive components which describe how our emotional state,

feelings, actions, ideas and perception of our surroundings effect our environment and

vice versa. Few points and evidences that were put forth during discussion which reflects

the ABC components of environment are mentioned below.

Behavioural component-The establishment of recycling and waste collection centers can

significantly contribute to increasing the behavioural component of recycling. These

centres play a pivotal role in shaping people’s behaviours and promoting sustainable

practices. Recycling and waste collection centres provide accessible drop-off points for

recyclables, making it easier for individuals to engage in recycling behaviours thus

people are more likely to participate. Accountability and Responsibility – The presence

of recycling and waste collection centres instils a sense of responsibility in individuals.

They are more likely to take personal responsibility for their waste when they have easy

access to a place to dispose of it responsibly. Visual Impact – The physical presence of

these centres within a community is a constant reminder of the importance of recycling

which encourage individuals to adopt recycling as a behavioural norm.

Cognitive component- Presenting data about the scarcity of resources is a key strategy to

change the cognitive component of public attitudes regarding the waste of non-renewable

resources. This approach involves providing factual information to enhance people’s

knowledge and understanding of the issue. Show data about the consequences of non-

renewable resource depletion, emphasizing the long-term effects on energy security,

industrial production, and economic stability and information about the benefits of

sustainable practices, including renewable energy adoption, recycling, and circular

economy principle.

A cross-sectional study in Brazil explores how childhood exposure to nature positively

influences pro-environmental behaviours in adulthood through fostering a sense of

connectedness to nature ( Rosa, Profice & Collado, 2018 ). This cross-sectional research

aims to enhance our comprehension of the psychological mechanisms underlying the

commonly observed connection between experiences in natural settings and pro-

environmental attitudes and behaviours. Specifically, we investigate whether experiences

in nature are linked to individuals reporting pro-environmental behaviours (PEBs), and

whether this connection is influenced by the level of connectedness to nature.

Additionally, we examine the potential long-term impact of childhood exposure to nature

on PEB in adulthood. The results indicate that increased exposure to nature during

childhood correlates with greater engagement with nature as adults. This, in turn, is

positively associated with a sense of connectedness to nature and pro-environmental

behaviours. It appears that positive experiences with nature during childhood stimulate

continued engagement with nature in adulthood, leading to the adoption of pro-

environmental actions.

Thus, based on the analysis of this FGD, we can say that the ABC component are integral

part of human-environment relationship and while addressing environmental issues and

 their solutions, the ABC components should not be neglected. Furthermore, more studies

and research is still required in this field to know the role of ABC components and how

to effectively use that knowledge to deal and solve contemporary environmental issues.

Venn diagram :
Personal Reflection -The focus group discussion allowed me to understand the environmental

issues that we (humans) are facing and also the possible solutions to these issues and problems. I

got to know about other people’s problems that they are facing in their neighborhood, like noise
issues, etc., and also understood the different perspectives of others on environmental issues and

solutions.

As all the members of focus group discussion have different perspectives related to

environmental problems they have given various solutions or steps of how we can control or

save our environment some of them are like car pooling , Afforestation , save electricity, etc. .

There are many steps of conserving the environment but according to me the primary and

utmost important step is education. Education (the cognitive component) contains factual

information that motivates people to perform in the behavioral aspects. The whole society has to

take or adopt some steps toward conserving the environment through their minimal contribution.

I should adopt and execute the steps that will help in conserving the environment, nature, and

planet, like Switch off lights and electrical appliances when not in use; conduct a proper

pollution check-up on vehicles; instead of plastic, use paper, jute, cloth, etc.

Conclusion - The state of the environment is a critical concern that demands immediate attention

and concerted efforts from individuals, communities, businesses, and governments worldwide.

We tried to understand some of the problems faced by our environment and the possible

solutions to these issues. By understanding most of these issues and problems, it is possible to

develop more comprehensive strategies for mitigating environmental problems and promoting

sustainability while prioritizing mental health and well-being. The objective of the discussion

was accomplished by the cooperation and supervision of Dr. Neera Kapoor (mam) and the

members with mutual exchange of environmental related dilemmas & strategies with regard to

contemporary world.
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