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A unified framework integrating psychology and geography

Author

Listed:
  • Friedrich M. Götz

    (University of British Columbia)

  • Daniel R. Montello

    (University of California Santa Barbara)

  • Michael E. W. Varnum

    (Arizona State University)

  • Davide Luca

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Douglas T. Kenrick

    (Arizona State University)

Abstract

We do not live in a vacuum. Everything humans do, think and feel is embedded within geography, which itself is interpreted, understood and modified by humans. Although it is thus conceptually obvious that psychology and geography need one another to fulfil their mandates, integrating them has been empirically challenging. To remedy this, we propose the unifying Geographical–Psychological Interactionist Framework. This framework features three axes (that is, geography, psychology, and geography–psychology interactions). Each axis hosts overarching classes (for example, human, physical and spatial geographical variables) and specific instances thereof (for example, climate and distance). As such, our framework provides: (1) a systematic taxonomy of the general interplay between geography and psychology; (2) a precise vocabulary with which to categorize specific interactions; and (3) a straightforward tool to inspire concrete and testable hypotheses. We conclude by positioning our conceptual framework in relation to existing theories and discuss next steps towards an interdisciplinary future at the nexus of psychology and geography.

Suggested Citation

  • Friedrich M. Götz & Daniel R. Montello & Michael E. W. Varnum & Davide Luca & Douglas T. Kenrick, 2025. "A unified framework integrating psychology and geography," Nature Human Behaviour, Nature, vol. 9(9), pages 1780-1792, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nathum:v:9:y:2025:i:9:d:10.1038_s41562-025-02237-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41562-025-02237-y
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