1
|
Eliashar R, Zilberstein T, Shmulewitz D, Skvirsky V, Vider M, Lev-Ran S. Reported Increase in Substance Use Following Mass Terrorism and the Role of Psychosocial Factors. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2423993. [PMID: 39046738 PMCID: PMC11270133 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.23993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Research has shown evidence of increased substance use (ISU) in populations affected by mass terrorism; however, less is known regarding how psychosocial factors interact to estimate ISU following such events. Objective To examine which factors are associated with reporting ISU, test whether psychological distress (PD) mediated the association between exposure to trauma and reporting ISU, and whether the mediation effect differed among those with prior mental health (MH) difficulties and those without. Design, Setting, and Participants A partially representative cross-sectional survey of the adult Jewish population in Israel (aged 18-70 years) was conducted 4 weeks after October 7, 2023 (October 31 to November 5, 2023). A national Web panel using quotas based on national distributions was used. Randomly chosen adult Jewish members were invited to participate until a predetermined sample size was reached. Main Outcomes and Measures The study measures included reporting ISU (outcome), PD (mediator), exposure to terror events and sociodemographic characteristics (variables), and prior MH difficulties (moderator). Hypotheses regarding outcome and variables were formulated before data collection. Results A total of 7000 invitations were distributed, 2679 individuals consented, 1432 were excluded owing to quota limits, 74 failed attention tests, and 205 opted out, resulting in 968 participants (490 women [50.6%]; mean [SD] age, 41.5 [14.6] years). Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that participants were significantly more likely to report ISU if they had experienced direct exposure (odds ratio [OR], 5.75; 95% CI, 2.53 to 13.05), indirect exposure (OR, 1.84; 95% CI, 1.27 to 2.67), media exposure (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.09 to 1.36), PD (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.44 to 2.25), or previous MH difficulties (OR, 2.76; 95% CI, 1.86 to 4.09). PD partially mediated the association between indirect exposure (b = 0.20; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.31) and media exposure (b = 0.14; 95% CI, 0.10 to 0.19) and reporting ISU. No evidence was found to support previous MH difficulties as a moderator of these indirect effects (indirect exposure, b = -0.003; 95% CI, -0.28 to 0.28; media exposure, b = 0.01; 95% CI, -0.06 to 0.08). Conclusions and Relevance This study contributes to the research on the association of mass terrorism with ISU while shedding important light on the role it may play in the self-medication of PD following exposure, even in those who might have no previous MH difficulties. These insights are crucial for planning essential health services and preventive measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tanya Zilberstein
- Israel Center on Addiction, Netanya, Israel
- Department of Communication Studies, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Shaul Lev-Ran
- Israel Center on Addiction, Netanya, Israel
- Lev Hasharon Medical Center, Netanya, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mitchell A, Maheen H, Bowen K. Mental health impacts from repeated climate disasters: an australian longitudinal analysis. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2024; 47:101087. [PMID: 38831889 PMCID: PMC11145535 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2024.101087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense under changing climatic conditions. Whilst there is substantial evidence that exposure to a single weather related disaster is detrimental for mental health, few studies have explored how exposure to multiple disasters impacts mental health. Methods We utilised 11 waves of data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey, yielding a sample of 16,629 observations from 2003 individuals. Fixed effects linear regression analysis was used to estimate the impact of experiencing multiple disasters on mental health. We tested for effect modification on this association by sex, rurality, employment and presence of a long-term health condition. Findings Exposure to multiple disasters was associated with a relative decrease in MHI-5 score compared to baseline by -1.8 points (95% CI -3.4, -0.3), whereas exposure to a single disaster was not associated with a decline in mental health scores. There was evidence of effect modification by employment status. Unemployed individuals had evidence of moderate reduction in MHI-5 scores when exposed to a single disaster (-4.3, 95% CI -7.0, -1.5). Interpretation Findings suggest that repeat exposure to disasters is associated with worsening mental health outcomes. As extreme weather events increase, these findings highlight the need for greater attention on climate change action, and mental health interventions targeting impacted populations. Funding Suicide Prevention Australia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Mitchell
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie St, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Humaira Maheen
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie St, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| | - Kathryn Bowen
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, 207 Bouverie St, Carlton, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Garfin DR, Wong-Parodi G. Climate change anxiety, hurricane exposure, and climate change actions and attitudes: results from a representative, probability-based survey of US Gulf Coast residents. Lancet Planet Health 2024; 8:e378-e390. [PMID: 38849180 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(24)00100-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to climate change-related threats (eg, hurricanes) has been associated with mental health symptoms, including post-traumatic stress symptoms. Yet it is unclear whether climate change anxiety, which is understudied in representative samples, is a specific mental health threat, action motivator, or both, particularly in populations exposed to climate-change related disasters. We sought to examine the associations between exposure to hurricanes, climate change anxiety, and climate change actions and attitudes in a representative sample of US Gulf Coast residents. METHODS This study used data from a 5-year, representative, prospectively assessed, probability-based, longitudinal cohort sample of residents in Texas and Florida (USA) exposed to exogenous catastrophic hurricanes rated category 3 or greater. Participants were adults aged 18 years and older and were initially recruited from the Ipsos KnowledgePanel in the 60 h before Hurricane Irma (Sept 8-11, 2017). Relationships between climate change anxiety, hurricane exposure, hurricane-related post-traumatic stress symptoms, general functional impairment, and climate change-related individual-level actions (eg, eating a plant-based diet and driving more fuel efficient cars) and collective-level actions (eg, petition signing and donating money) and climate change action attitudes were evaluated using structural equation modelling. FINDINGS The final survey was completed by 1479 individuals (787 [53·2%] women and 692 [46·8%] men). Two climate change anxiety subscales (cognitive-emotional impairment and perceived experience of climate change) were confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis. Mean values were low for both climate change anxiety subscales: cognitive-emotional impairment (mean 1·31 [SD 0·63], range 1-5) and perceived climate change experience (mean 1·67 [SD 0·89], range 1-5); these subscales differentially predicted outcomes. The cognitive-emotional impairment subscale did not significantly correlate with actions or attitudes; its relationship with general functional impairment was attenuated by co-occurring hurricane-related post-traumatic stress symptoms, which were highly correlated with general functional impairment in all three models (all p<0·0001). The perceived climate change experience subscale correlated with climate change attitudes (b=0·57, 95% CI 0·47-0·66; p<0·0001), individual-level actions (b=0·34, 0·21-0·47; p<0·0001), and collective-level actions (b=0·22, 0·10-0·33; p=0·0002), but was not significantly associated with general functional impairment in any of the final models. Hurricane exposure correlated with climate change-related individual-level (b=0·26, 0·10-0·42; p=0·0011) and collective-level (b=0·41, 0·26-0·56; p<0·0001) actions. INTERPRETATION Expanded treatment for post-traumatic stress symptoms after disasters could help address climate change-related psychological distress; experiences with climate change and natural hazards could be inflection points to motivate action. FUNDING National Science Foundation and the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana Rose Garfin
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Gabrielle Wong-Parodi
- Department of Earth System Science, Department of Environmental Social Sciences, and Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tota M, Karska J, Kowalski S, Piątek N, Pszczołowska M, Mazur K, Piotrowski P. Environmental pollution and extreme weather conditions: insights into the effect on mental health. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1389051. [PMID: 38863619 PMCID: PMC11165707 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1389051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental pollution exposures, including air, soil, water, light, and noise pollution, are critical issues that may implicate adverse mental health outcomes. Extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and droughts, may also cause long-term severe concerns. However, the knowledge about possible psychiatric disorders associated with these exposures is currently not well disseminated. In this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge on the impact of environmental pollution and extreme weather conditions on mental health, focusing on anxiety spectrum disorders, autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia, and depression. In air pollution studies, increased concentrations of PM2.5, NO2, and SO2 were the most strongly associated with the exacerbation of anxiety, schizophrenia, and depression symptoms. We provide an overview of the suggested underlying pathomechanisms involved. We highlight that the pathogenesis of environmental pollution-related diseases is multifactorial, including increased oxidative stress, systematic inflammation, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, and epigenetic dysregulation. Light pollution and noise pollution were correlated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders, particularly Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, the impact of soil and water pollution is discussed. Such compounds as crude oil, heavy metals, natural gas, agro-chemicals (pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers), polycyclic or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), solvents, lead (Pb), and asbestos were associated with detrimental impact on mental health. Extreme weather conditions were linked to depression and anxiety spectrum disorders, namely PTSD. Several policy recommendations and awareness campaigns should be implemented, advocating for the advancement of high-quality urbanization, the mitigation of environmental pollution, and, consequently, the enhancement of residents' mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Tota
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Julia Karska
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Szymon Kowalski
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Piątek
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | | | - Katarzyna Mazur
- Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Patryk Piotrowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lorenzini JA, Wong-Parodi G, Garfin DR. Associations between mindfulness and mental health after collective trauma: results from a longitudinal, representative, probability-based survey. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2024; 37:361-378. [PMID: 37885136 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2023.2267454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Trait mindfulness (TM) may protect against post-trauma mental health ailments and related impairment. Few studies have evaluated this association in the context of collective traumas using representative samples or longitudinal designs. DESIGN/METHOD We explored relationships between TM and collective trauma-related outcomes in a prospective, representative, probability-based sample of 1846 U.S. Gulf Coast residents repeatedly exposed to catastrophic hurricanes, assessed twice during the COVID-19 outbreak (Wave 1: 5/14/20-5/27/20; Wave 2: 12/21/21-1/11/22). Generalized estimating equations examined longitudinal relationships between TM, COVID-19-related fear/worry, hurricane-related fear/worry, global distress, and functional impairment; ordinary least squares regression analyses examined the cross-sectional association between TM and COVID-19-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) at Wave 1. Event-related stressor exposure was explored as a moderator. RESULTS In covariate-adjusted models including pre-event mental health ailments and demographics, TM was negatively associated with COVID-19-related fear/worry, hurricane-related fear/worry, global distress, and functional impairment over time; in cross-sectional analyses, TM was negatively associated with COVID-19-related PTSS. TM moderated the relationship between COVID-19 secondary stressor exposure (e.g., lost job/wages) and both global distress and functional impairment over time. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest TM may buffer adverse psychosocial outcomes following collective trauma, with some evidence TM may protect against negative effects of secondary stressor exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jay Andrew Lorenzini
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Gabrielle Wong-Parodi
- Department of Earth Systems Science, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
- Social Sciences Division, Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Dana Rose Garfin
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wong-Parodi G, Relihan DP, Garfin DR. A longitudinal investigation of risk perceptions and adaptation behavior in the US Gulf Coast. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae099. [PMID: 38595802 PMCID: PMC11003376 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is occurring more rapidly than expected, requiring that people quickly and continually adapt to reduce human suffering. The reality is that climate change-related threats are unpredictable; thus, adaptive behavior must be continually performed even when threat saliency decreases (e.g. time has passed since climate-hazard exposure). Climate change-related threats are also intensifying; thus, new or more adaptive behaviors must be performed over time. Given the need to sustain climate change-related adaptation even when threat saliency decreases, it becomes essential to better understand how the relationship between risk perceptions and adaptation co-evolve over time. In this study, we present results from a probability-based representative sample of 2,774 Texas and Florida residents prospectively surveyed 5 times (2017-2022) in the presence and absence of exposure to tropical cyclones, a climate change-related threat. Distinct trajectories of personal risk perceptions emerged, with higher and more variable risk perceptions among the less educated and those living in Florida. Importantly, as tropical cyclone adaptation behaviors increased, personal risk perceptions decreased over time, particularly in the absence of storms, while future tropical cyclone risk perceptions remained constant. In sum, adapting occurs in response to current risk but may inhibit future action despite increasing future tropical cyclone risks. Our results suggest that programs and policies encouraging proactive adaptation investment may be warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Wong-Parodi
- Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Department of Environmental Social Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Daniel P Relihan
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California at Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Dana Rose Garfin
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Thompson RR, Jones NM, Garfin DR, Holman EA, Silver RC. Contrasting Objective and Perceived Risk: Predicting COVID-19 Health Behaviors in a Nationally Representative U.S. Sample. Ann Behav Med 2024; 58:242-252. [PMID: 38413045 DOI: 10.1093/abm/kaad055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals confronting health threats may display an optimistic bias such that judgments of their risk for illness or death are unrealistically positive given their objective circumstances. PURPOSE We explored optimistic bias for health risks using k-means clustering in the context of COVID-19. We identified risk profiles using subjective and objective indicators of severity and susceptibility risk for COVID-19. METHODS Between 3/18/2020-4/18/2020, a national probability sample of 6,514 U.S. residents reported both their subjective risk perceptions (e.g., perceived likelihood of illness or death) and objective risk indices (e.g., age, weight, pre-existing conditions) of COVID-19-related susceptibility and severity, alongside other pandemic-related experiences. Six months later, a subsample (N = 5,661) completed a follow-up survey with questions about their frequency of engagement in recommended health protective behaviors (social distancing, mask wearing, risk behaviors, vaccination intentions). RESULTS The k-means clustering procedure identified five risk profiles in the Wave 1 sample; two of these demonstrated aspects of optimistic bias, representing almost 44% of the sample. In OLS regression models predicting health protective behavior adoption at Wave 2, clusters representing individuals with high perceived severity risk were most likely to report engagement in social distancing, but many individuals who were objectively at high risk for illness and death did not report engaging in self-protective behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Objective risk of disease severity only inconsistently predicted health protective behavior. Risk profiles may help identify groups that need more targeted interventions to increase their support for public health policy and health enhancing recommendations more broadly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca R Thompson
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Nickolas M Jones
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Dana Rose Garfin
- Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - E Alison Holman
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, USA
- Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Roxane Cohen Silver
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, USA
- Program in Public Health and Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Garfin DR, Thompson RR, Wong-Parodi G. Media exposure, threat processing, and mitigation behaviors in Gulf Coast residents facing the co-occurring threats of COVID-19 and hurricanes. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2023; 43:1370-1386. [PMID: 36217752 PMCID: PMC9874480 DOI: 10.1111/risa.14032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The 2020 hurricane season threatened millions of Americans concurrently grappling with COVID-19. Processes guiding individual-level mitigation for these conceptually distinct threats, one novel and chronic (COVID-19), the other familiar and episodic (hurricanes), are unknown. Theories of health protective behaviors suggest that inputs from external stimuli (e.g., traditional and social media) lead to threat processing, including perceived efficacy (self- and response) and perceived threat (susceptibility and severity), guiding mitigation behavior. We surveyed a representative sample of Florida and Texas residents (N = 1846) between April 14, 2020 and April 27, 2020; many had previous hurricane exposure; all were previously assessed between September 8, 2017 and September 11, 2017. Using preregistered analyses, two generalized structural equation models tested direct and indirect effects of media exposure (traditional media, social media) on self-reported (1) COVID-19 mitigation (handwashing, mask-wearing, social distancing) and (2) hurricane mitigation (preparation behaviors), as mediated through perceived efficacy (self- and response) and perceived threat (susceptibility and severity). Self-efficacy and response efficacy were associated with social distancing (p = .002), handwashing, mask-wearing, and hurricane preparation (ps < 0.001). Perceived susceptibility was positively associated with social distancing (p = 0.017) and hurricane preparation (p < 0.001). Perceived severity was positively associated with social distancing (p < 0.001). Traditional media exhibited indirect effects on COVID-19 mitigation through increased response efficacy (ps < 0.05), and to a lesser extent self-efficacy (p < 0.05), and on hurricane preparation through increased self-efficacy and response efficacy and perceived susceptibility (ps < 0.05). Social media did not exhibit indirect effects on COVID-19 or hurricane mitigation. Communications targeting efficacy and susceptibility may encourage mitigation behavior; research should explore how social media campaigns can more effectively target threat processing, guiding protective actions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana Rose Garfin
- Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
- Program in Public Health, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Rebecca R. Thompson
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Gabrielle Wong-Parodi
- Department of Earth Systems Science | Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wertis L, Runkle JD, Sugg MM, Singh D. Examining Hurricane Ida's Impact on Mental Health: Results From a Quasi-Experimental Analysis. GEOHEALTH 2023; 7:e2022GH000707. [PMID: 36776989 PMCID: PMC9905064 DOI: 10.1029/2022gh000707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Limited research has evaluated the mental health effects during compounding disasters (e.g., a hurricane occurring during a pandemic), and few studies have examined post-disaster mental health with alternative data sources like crisis text lines. This study examined changes in crisis help-seeking for individuals in Louisiana, USA, before and after Hurricane Ida (2021), a storm that co-occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. An interrupted time series analysis and difference-in-difference analysis for single and multiple group comparisons were used to examine pre-and post-changes in crisis text volume (i.e., any crisis text, substance use, thoughts of suicide, stress/anxiety, and bereavement) among help-seeking individuals in communities that received US Federal Emergency Management Agency individual and public assistance following a presidential disaster declaration. Results showed a significant increase in crisis texts for any reason, thoughts of suicide, stress/anxiety, and bereavement in the four-week, three-month, and four-month post-impact period. Findings highlight the need for more mental health support for residents directly impacted by disasters like Hurricane Ida.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Wertis
- Department of Geography and PlanningAppalachian State UniversityBooneNCUSA
| | - Jennifer D. Runkle
- North Carolina Institute for Climate StudiesNC State UniversityNCRaleighUSA
| | - Margaret M. Sugg
- Department of Geography and PlanningAppalachian State UniversityBooneNCUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Crane K, Li L, Subramanian P, Rovit E, Liu J. Climate Change and Mental Health: A Review of Empirical Evidence, Mechanisms and Implications. ATMOSPHERE 2022; 13:2096. [PMID: 37727770 PMCID: PMC10508914 DOI: 10.3390/atmos13122096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change is an existential threat whose influences continue to increase in severity. It is pivotal to understand the implications of climate change and their effects on mental health. This integrative review aims to summarize the relevant evidence examining the harm climate change may have on mental health, suggest potential mechanisms and discuss implications. Empirical evidence has begun to indicate that negative mental health outcomes are a relevant and notable consequence of climate change. Specifically, these negative outcomes range from increased rates of psychiatric diagnoses such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder to higher measures of suicide, aggression and crime. Potential mechanisms are thought to include neuroinflammatory responses to stress, maladaptive serotonergic receptors and detrimental effects on one's own physical health, as well as the community wellbeing. While climate change and mental health are salient areas of research, the evidence examining an association is limited. Therefore, further work should be conducted to delineate exact pathways of action to explain the mediators and mechanisms of the interaction between climate change and mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katelin Crane
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Linda Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Pearl Subramanian
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Elizabeth Rovit
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Jianghong Liu
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|