The Psychology of Place

Using Indigenous worldviews, psychology, and planning, we explore our 'sense of place' to address climate, liveability, healing and justice.

Blending psychology, urban design, and Indigenous knowledge, this powerful, cross-disciplinary book explores what a 'sense of place' means, how it can change, and how to measure it. It is vital reading for socially engaged scholars, practitioners, and policymakers who care about community, environment, and reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.By combining research with Indigenous knowledge, this unique book shows how our 'sense of place' shapes identity, belonging, health, and community. It explores how reconnecting people with place can help humanity face today's greatest challenges: from climate change and urban alienation to cultural dislocation and decolonisation. Across 16 chapters, experts in psychology, Indigenous studies, law, and urban planning present rich global case studies – from Indigenous Australian concepts of Country and rebuilding Ōtautahi Christchurch, to Iranian migrant experiences in Melbourne and young people's influence on neighbourhood development in Nashville. These stories highlight how Indigenous governance, urban design, public health, and community psychology can work together to foster more inclusive and sustainable futures. Written in accessible language, this edited volume is for readers who care about community, environment, and justice. It will resonate with students, researchers, policymakers, and anyone seeking hope and practical pathways for rebuilding human–place relationships in the Anthropocene.