Psychological, Social and Cultural Analysis Concerning the Formation and Use of Public Sanitary Facilities

Abstract

Organization, appearance and methods of use of public sanitary facilities depend on many psychological, social and cultural aspects taking into account various user behaviors associated with the treatment and perception of their body, a different attitude towards personal hygiene, gender, privacy, modesty and the socio-economic status. These factors determine the specific needs and requirements which are defining quality and ways of use of public sanitary facilities. Most of the social reactions to public sanitary facilities concern their quality, physical condition and level of cleanliness and maintenance. These most common negative reactions result from not only aesthetic experience of user, but refer to their feelings about territoriality and privacy. In addition, the general social attitude towards public facilities, often unconscious, is much more negative than attitude towards private bathroom or towards a general idea of ​​the bathroom. Similarly, most of human feelings about the body, gender, physiological needs, hygiene and privacy become stronger and more exaggerated in the context of "publicness" that causes the inevitable violation of the territorial and loss of privacy, which are increasing public apprehensions. Physiological needs appear to be more common in the public context, but also most of the difficulties and psychological problems are associated precisely with them. Apart from hotels, the majority of people, with the exception of certain cultures, has little experience in the use of public bathing facilities. For this reason, the analysis will focus on public toilets.

Keywords: Public Health, Public Hygiene, Hygienic Practices, Toilet Practices, Public Sanitary Facilities, Public Bathrooms Design, Public Toilet, Public Restroom, Psychology in the Bathroom, Social and Cultural Aspects of Public Bathrooms Formation

DOI: 10.54941/ahfe100115