Stress inducing outdoor space in three arctic villages as viewed by Inuit and Kadlunat

• Main Author: Crassweller, Kenneth William
• Format: Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: 1976
• Subjects: Eskimos > Psychology; Space (Architecture); Stress > Physiology; Arctic; Canada; Igloolik; Northwest Territories; Pangnirtung; Pond Inlet; eskimo*; inuit
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/20168

This is a study of stress induced by the spatial configuration of outdoor space in three arctic communities. Stress inducing spaces are studied in this research in terms of a paradigm involving the spatial configuration of the space and the perceptual set and behavioral response of those experiencing the space. A stress inducing space is defined as one that is perceived to be uncontrollable, unpredictable, and inescapable. Two perceptual sets - Inuit and Kadlunat are assumed in this study. The data for this study was gathered in Pangnirtung, Igloolik and Pond Inlet in the Northwest Territories, Canada, over a two month period in 1974. Three research methods were used, researcher's unobtrusive observations, researcher informant interaction and informant generated data. Several techniques were developed under each method. The field work involved a trial and error process. Techniques were tried, resulting in hunches concerning the occurance of stress inducing spaces, that were tested against the definition of stressful space. This prompted the organic growth of a repertoire of findings and data collection techniques . Applied Science, Faculty of Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of Graduate