Satiation as a simple mechanism shaping the dynamics of human–nature interactions
Franco L Souza
Citation: Souza, F. L. (2025). Satiation as a simple mechanism shaping the dynamics of human–nature interactions. Journal of Ecopsychology, 5, 4, 1-9. https://joe.nationalwellbeingservice.com/volumes/volume-5-2025/volume-5-article-4
Processing dates: Submitted: 4th September 2024; Re-submitted: 23rd April 2025; Accepted: 19th May 2025; Published: 22nd December 2025
Abstract
Human–nature interactions are a complex system driven by opportunities and orientations of each person. Although literature on this theme is plentiful, the knowledge on how the connection between nature and human is mediated is not well understood. By explicitly incorporating biodiversity as an important factor and by means of the classical Satiation Theory from economics, sociology, and psychology fields, a mechanism emerged and is proposed to explain the dynamics behind this socio-ecological phenomenon (i.e., human-nature interactions). Considering a perspective where human-nature interactions can be detected at any spatial scale, this connectedness can be through a time lens perspective, that is variable according to both people behaviors and habitat heterogeneity (a proxy for biodiversity), resulting in a satiation threshold. As consequence, a turning point brings interactions to another spatial scale, in an endless looping. Putting the Satiation Theory into human–nature interactions frameworks explicitly link the concepts and theories which could contribute with biodiversity conservation, habitat management, and human well-being.
Key words: ecopsychology, human-nature interactions, human well-being, positive psychology, Satiation Theory
Biography
Franco L. Souza is with the Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Bioscience Institute, 79070-900, Campo Grande, MS, Brazil.
Email: franco.souza@ufms.br
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7041-4036