Exploring the Impact of Wood Defects (Knots) on Human Psychology and Physiology
A Comprehensive Review
Abstract
This systematic literature review, inspired by (Harju, 2022), examines individuals' physiological and psychological responses to wood defects, which significantly contribute to substantial wood loss in mass timber construction. Following the SPAR-4-SLR protocol (Paul et al., 2021), the study employs the TCCM framework (Paul & Criado, 2020) to analyze literature from diverse fields and examine empirical studies from around the world. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, the research captures an evolving understanding of individuals' physiological and psychological reactions to wood and provides a comprehensive view of human-wood interaction. Findings are synthesized through the TCCM framework, highlighting theoretical foundations, varied contexts, and wood defect characteristics. This research contributes to the interdisciplinary discourse on wood defects' impact on human experiences, preferences, and well-being. It also helps lay the groundwork for determining if the aversion to wood with defects is a universal sentiment or if it is a learned preference specific to certain regions around the world. The identified research gaps pave the way for future investigations, emphasizing theory development, diverse contexts, distinct characteristics, and refined methodologies.
The Author (on behalf of any and all co-authors) hereby assigns to MTCJ (hereafter known as the Publisher) the copyright to the Contribution named above; whereby the Publisher shall have the exclusive international rights to publish in any and all media the said Contribution and translations of it wholly or in part throughout the World under the provisions of this agreement. These rights include without limitation mechanical, electronic and visual reproduction; electronic storage and retrieval; and all other forms of electronic publication or any other types of publication including all subsidiary rights.
