Low-Cost Passive Strategies and Psychological Adaptation in Rural Thermal Environments: A Systematic Mapping and Critical Analysis

Research on rural thermal environments has grown rapidly in recent years. However, it still relies on urban-based paradigms and lacks a framework for rural contexts. This study uses a systematic mapping and critical analysis approach to examine key assumptions in existing research. It identifies three common biases: the direct use of urban thermal comfort models, the underestimation of passive strategies, and the limited focus on behavioral and psychological adaptation. The results show a clear high-constraint–high-adaptation feature in rural areas. Traditional spatial forms and low-tech materials can improve thermal conditions at low cost. At the same time, behavioral adjustments and psychological adaptation can widen the acceptable thermal range. Based on these findings, this study proposes a low-cost–high-adaptation framework and develops three testable hypotheses. The study reduces urban bias in current research and provides a clear direction for low-cost climate adaptation design in rural areas.