ABSTRACT
Thermal environments greatly influence thermal sensation and human behaviour, which are psychological responses. The potentially dramatic consequences of being unable to maintain acceptable body temperatures, and the unpleasant thermal sensations associated with cold, for example, have ensured that people have responded to (or anticipated) climatic change as a high priority. This is particularly true where people exist in climates for which they cannot survive without behavioural measures (buildings, clothing, etc.). It is reflected in the language of many cultures, as seen in the rich semantic structure and prevalence of conversation about the weather. Despite this prime importance, psychological research into the effects of thermal environments is in its infancy. There has been a great deal of research into establishing the relationship between the six basic parameters that make up human thermal environments and thermal sensation (warm, cold, etc.), but there is relatively little known about why individuals differ in their responses. Little is known about behavioural responses, what constitutes thermal pleasure, provides a fresh or inspirational thermal environment, or contributes to a convivial social environment, except that thermal environments affect these psychological responses. Rivolier et al. (1988) report on a large biomedical study conducted over 6 months in Antarctica. Behavioural responses (clothing, working practices, shelter) ensured survival of the body in acceptable microclimates. However, other psychological factors became very important: ‘The results show the importance of monitoring the whole range of human responses, in particular the early warning signs of psychological stress … if disregarded … would cause severe problems.’ Hensel (1981) suggests that thermoreception leading to qualities such as ‘warm’ or ‘cold’ is qualitative, derived from sensory experience, and hence cannot be based on physics or physiology. This relationship is shown in Figure 4.1.
