ESP-3618

Published

2025-05-27

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Vol. 10 No. 5 (2025): Published

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Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2025 Wei Fan, Krisada Daoruang

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How to Cite

Fan, W., & Daoruang, K. (2025). Art, ecology and psychological reconstruction: Environmental psychological values in Lu Yanshao’s landscape paintings. Environment and Social Psychology, 10(5), ESP-3618. https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i5.3618

Art, ecology and psychological reconstruction: Environmental psychological values in Lu Yanshao's landscape paintings

Wei Fan

Chakrabongse Bhuvanarth International College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand

Krisada Daoruang

Chakrabongse Bhuvanarth International College of Interdisciplinary Studies, Rajamangala University of Technology Tawan-ok, Bangkok, 10400, Thailand


DOI: https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v10i5.3618


Keywords: landscape painting; environmental psychology; nature-deficit disorder; art therapy; ecological

Abstract

This study investigates the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese landscape paintings, specifically those by Lu Yanshao, as a novel approach to mitigating nature deficit symptoms in urban dwellers. The study used a cohort of 82 participants and a mixed-methods design to examine psychological effects of interaction with landscape art through quantitative measures and qualitative interviews. Results of the intervention showed significant improvement across all psychological measures, including nature connectedness, decrease in stress levels, environmental attitudes, and general well-being. Participants notably showed a progressive improvement in psychological assessments, with evidence that a longer interaction time was associated with increased improvements, thus suggesting that prolonged exposure to landscape paintings can stimulate psychological reactions similar to those induced by actual contact with natural settings. The technical analysis of Lu's innovative art techniques—such as the mechanism of "shifting perspective" (yi dao san zhe), the "five-gradation ink method" (mo fen wu se), and complex spatial organization—has revealed direct correlations with certain psychological effects. His skilled use of traditional techniques like "broken ink" (po mo) and the "wrinkle method" (cun fa) creates textural differences that facilitate depth perception and encourage viewer participation, thus heightening the therapeutic value of his artwork. The findings suggest that artistic representations of nature can be a kind of "virtual nature," offering a culturally appropriate solution to the psychological impacts of environmental disconnection in urban settings, while also outlining a possible path for the incorporation of cultural heritage in modern environmental psychology practice.

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