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Sheikh A, Jacob J, Vostanis P, Ruby F, Spuerck I, Stankovic M, Morgan N, Mota CP, Ferreira R, Eruyar Ş, Yılmaz EA, Fatima SZ, Edbrooke-Childs J. What Should Personalised Mental Health Support Involve? Views of Young People with Lived Experience and Professionals from Eight Countries. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2024:10.1007/s10488-024-01382-2. [PMID: 38907740 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-024-01382-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Research demonstrates that young people value mental health support that is tailored to their needs and preferences, rather than a "one size fits all" offer, which is often not equitably accessible (National Children's Bureau, 2021). Understanding young people's lived experiences across different sociocultural contexts is important. The aim of this research was to conduct an international qualitative study on the views of young people with lived experience and professionals, on proposed aspects of personalised support for anxiety and/or depression. Participatory action focus groups were conducted with N = 120 young people with lived experience of anxiety and/or depression (14-24 years) and with N = 63 professionals in Brazil, India, Kenya, Pakistan, Portugal, South Africa, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. Data were analysed using the rigorous and accelerated data reduction (RADaR) technique. Overall, although some country-specific differences were found in terms of what aspects of support young people found to be most important, individual preferences were considered stronger, furthering the view that support should be personalised to the needs of the individual young person. Young people experiencing anxiety and/or depression should be able to choose for themselves which aspects of support they would prefer in their own care and support plans, with families and mental health professionals providing guidance where appropriate, rather than removing the young person from the decision-making process altogether. It should also be ensured that the aspects of personalised support can be understood by young people and professionals from different contexts, including marginalised and minoritised groups and communities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenna Jacob
- Anna Freud, 4-8 Rodney Street, London, N1 9JH, UK.
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Panos Vostanis
- School of Media, Communication and Sociology, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Inga Spuerck
- Euro Youth Mental Health, The Carling Building, Coopers Yard, Off, Market Pl, Hitchin, SG5 1AR, UK
| | - Milos Stankovic
- Euro Youth Mental Health, The Carling Building, Coopers Yard, Off, Market Pl, Hitchin, SG5 1AR, UK
| | - Nicholas Morgan
- Euro Youth Mental Health, The Carling Building, Coopers Yard, Off, Market Pl, Hitchin, SG5 1AR, UK
| | - Catarina Pinheiro Mota
- University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
- Center for Psychology, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Rúben Ferreira
- University of Trás-Os-Montes and Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Şeyda Eruyar
- Department of Psychology, Necmettin Erbakan University, Köyceğiz, Meram, Konya, 42140, Turkey
| | - Elmas Aybike Yılmaz
- Department of Psychology, Necmettin Erbakan University, Köyceğiz, Meram, Konya, 42140, Turkey
| | - Syeda Zeenat Fatima
- Hussaini Foundation-Child and Adolescent Development Program, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Julian Edbrooke-Childs
- Anna Freud, 4-8 Rodney Street, London, N1 9JH, UK
- Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
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Proulx K, Daelmans B, Baltag V, Banati P. Climate change impacts on child and adolescent health and well-being: A narrative review. J Glob Health 2024; 14:04061. [PMID: 38781568 PMCID: PMC11115477 DOI: 10.7189/jogh.14.04061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Worldwide, the climate is changing and affecting the health and well-being of children in many ways. In this review, we provided an overview of how climate change-related events may affect child and adolescent health and well-being, including children's mental and physical health, nutrition, safety and security, learning opportunities, and family caregiving and connectedness. Methods In this narrative review, we highlighted and discussed peer-reviewed evidence from 2012-23, primarily from meta-analyses and systematic reviews. The search strategy used a large and varied number of search terms across three academic databases to identify relevant literature. Results There was consistent evidence across systematic reviews of impact on four themes. Climate-related events are associated with a) increases in posttraumatic stress and other mental health disorders in children and adolescents, b) increases in asthma, respiratory illnesses, diarrheal diseases and vector-borne diseases, c) increases in malnutrition and reduced growth and d) disruptions to responsive caregiving and family functioning, which can be linked to poor caregiver mental health, stress and loss of resources. Evidence of violence against children in climate-related disaster contexts is inconclusive. There is a lack of systematic review evidence on the associations between climate change and children's learning outcomes. Conclusions Systematic review evidence consistently points to negative associations between climate change and children's physical and mental health, well-being, and family functioning. Yet, much remains unknown about the causal pathways linking climate-change-related events and mental and physical health, responsive relationships and connectedness, nutrition, and learning in children and adolescents. This evidence is urgently needed so that adverse health and other impacts from climate change can be prevented or minimised through well-timed and appropriate action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bernadette Daelmans
- World Health Organization, Child Health and Development Unit, Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Valentina Baltag
- World Health Organization, Adolescent and Young Adult Health Unit, Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Prerna Banati
- World Health Organization, Adolescent and Young Adult Health Unit, Department of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Ageing, Geneva, Switzerland
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Squires E, Whiting L, Petty J. Effects of climate change on the health of children and young people. Nurs Stand 2024; 39:60-65. [PMID: 38419409 DOI: 10.7748/ns.2024.e12308] [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] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The effects of climate change, such as air pollution and extreme heat events, can adversely affect the physical and mental health of children and young people at all ages. This article explores the effects of climate change on children and young people's development and explains the effects of air pollution and heatwaves on their health. The article also discusses how children and young people are knowledgeable and concerned about the effects of climate change and can offer new perspectives on addressing these effects. Finally, the authors consider the role of nurses in raising awareness of the adverse effects of climate change on children's health, incorporating climate change in their practice and promoting opportunities for children's involvement in healthcare decision-making, strategies and policy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Squires
- School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, England
| | - Lisa Whiting
- research, School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, England
| | - Julia Petty
- School of Health and Social Work, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, England
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4
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Auchincloss AH, Ruggiero DA, Donnelly MT, Chernak ED, Kephart JL. Adolescent mental distress in the wake of climate disasters. Prev Med Rep 2024; 39:102651. [PMID: 38405174 PMCID: PMC10884511 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Retrospective exposure to a higher number and prolonged duration of climate-related disasters could be positively associated with adolescent mental distress. Methods Person-level data came from 38,616 high-school students residing in 22 urban public-school districts in 14 states (U.S. Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 2019). Each district's federally declared climate-related catastrophes (severe storms, floods, wildfire, etc.) came from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Logistic regression models estimated the adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of adolescent mental distress (MD, using survey responses feeling prolonged sadness/ hopelessness and short sleep duration) according to disaster events and days during three exposure periods (past 2-, 5-, 10-years); adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, socio-economic disadvantage, feeling unsafe at school, district area size, district poverty, and region. Results Over 10 years, the median number of disaster events was 3 and total disaster days was 64. Adolescents experiencing the highest number of disaster days (top quartile vs. less) had 25% higher odds of MD when exposed within the past 2-years (aOR 1.25 [95% CI 1.14, 1.38]), and 20% higher odds of MD when exposed within the past 5-years (aOR 1.20 95% CI 1.07, 1.35). The odds of MD were not statistically associated with exposure periods that extended to 10 years, nor disaster events (instead of disaster days, all p-values > 0.1). Conclusions Severe weather will become more frequent and last longer with human-induced climate warming. More studies like this are needed to understand the broad range of adverse effects and enhance planning and preparedness including preparing for worsening mental health among adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy H. Auchincloss
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Urban Health Collaborative, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dominic A. Ruggiero
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Meghan T. Donnelly
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Esther D. Chernak
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Josiah L. Kephart
- Urban Health Collaborative, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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5
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Anneser E, Levine P, Lane KJ, Corlin L. Climate stress and anxiety, environmental context, and civic engagement: A nationally representative study. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 93:102220. [PMID: 38222971 PMCID: PMC10785829 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvp.2023.102220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
There is increasing recognition that people are experiencing stress and anxiety around climate change, and that this climate stress/anxiety may be associated with more pro-environmental behavior. However, less is known about whether people's own environmental exposures affect climate stress/anxiety or the relationship between climate stress/anxiety and civic engagement. Using three waves of survey data (2020-2022) from the nationally representative Tufts Equity in Health, Wealth, and Civic Engagement Study of US adults (n = 1071), we assessed relationships among environmental exposures (county-level air pollution, greenness, number of toxic release inventory sites, and heatwaves), self-reported climate stress/anxiety, and civic engagement measures (canvasing behavior, collaborating to solve community problems, personal efficacy to solve community problems, group efficacy to solve community problems, voting behavior). Most participants reported experiencing climate stress/anxiety (61%). In general, the environmental exposures we assessed were not significantly associated with climate stress/anxiety or civic engagement metrics, but climate stress/anxiety was positively associated with most of the civic engagement outcomes (canvassing, personal efficacy, group efficacy, voter preference). Our results support the growing literature that climate stress/anxiety may spur constructive civic action, though do not suggest a consistent relationship between adverse environmental exposures and either climate stress/anxiety or civic engagement. Future research and action addressing the climate crisis should promote climate justice by ensuring mental health support for those who experience climate stress anxiety and by promoting pro-environmental civic engagement efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyssa Anneser
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Peter Levine
- Jonathan Tisch College of Civic Life, Tufts University, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
| | - Kevin J. Lane
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Laura Corlin
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02111, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University School of Engineering, Medford, MA, 02155, USA
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6
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Holdsworth J, Hunte SA, Barker K, Sherin J, Rao M, Maharaj SB. Safeguarding the Caribbean's future: making the case to research the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on youth mental health and wellbeing. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1322831. [PMID: 38155894 PMCID: PMC10753825 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1322831] [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] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This article makes a call for attention to paid on the development of a research agenda for studying the impact of climatic events on youth mental health in the Caribbean. It details the climate injustices that the region faces and the potential mental health problem which can arise from climatic events. It makes a call for interdisciplinary research and a multi stakeholder approach to dealing with this potential issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn Holdsworth
- Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Program, McMaster Health Forum, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Shelly-Ann Hunte
- Caribbean Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Kershelle Barker
- Evidence Synthesis, Caribbean Centre for Health Systems Research and Development, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Jonathan Sherin
- Healthy Brains Global Initiative, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mala Rao
- Ethnicity and Health Unit, Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sandeep B. Maharaj
- School of Pharmacy, The University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
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Brunette MF, Erlich MD, Edwards ML, Adler DA, Berlant J, Dixon L, First MB, Oslin DW, Siris SG, Talley RM. Addressing the Increasing Mental Health Distress and Mental Illness Among Young Adults in the United States. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:961-967. [PMID: 38015186 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001734] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Recent surveys show rising numbers of young people who report anxiety and depression. Although much attention has focused on mental health of adolescent youth, less attention has been paid to young people as they transition into adulthood. Multiple factors may have contributed to this steady increase: greater exposure to social media, information, and distressing news via personal electronic devices; increased concerns regarding social determinants of health and climate change; and changing social norms due to increased mental health literacy and reduced stigma. The COVID-19 pandemic may have temporarily exacerbated symptoms and impacted treatment availability. Strategies to mitigate causal factors for depression and anxiety in young adults may include education and skills training for cognitive, behavioral, and social coping strategies, as well as healthier use of technology and social media. Policies must support the availability of health insurance and treatment, and clinicians can adapt interventions to encompass the specific concerns and needs of young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary F Brunette
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire
| | - Matthew D Erlich
- Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute/Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York Presbyterian, New York, New York
| | - Matthew L Edwards
- Department of Psychiatry, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
| | - David A Adler
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts Medical Center and Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey Berlant
- Canyon Manor Mental Health Rehabilitation, Novato, California
| | - Lisa Dixon
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York Presbyterian, New York, New York
| | - Michael B First
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York Presbyterian, New York, New York
| | - David W Oslin
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Administration Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Samuel G Siris
- Department of Psychiatry, Donna and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New York, New York
| | - Rachel M Talley
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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8
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Wang M, Huang H, Xiong J, Yuan Z, Zeng K. Impact of ecological reserves on the local residents' health: Evidence from a natural experiment in China. Soc Sci Med 2023; 336:116186. [PMID: 37778142 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.116186] [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] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
The potential influence of natural ecosystems on human health has been widely acknowledged globally. Nevertheless, the causality of such a correlation among the middle-aged and older populations in developing countries awaits further investigations. This study aims to understand how a specific natural ecosystem change, namely the establishment of ecological reserves, improves the physical and mental health of middle-aged and older residents in China. Two batches of national key eco-function zones (NKEFZs) in 2011 and 2016 are selected as a quasi-experiment; and a total of 128,755 middle-aged and older residents from a combined data set from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) and China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Studies (CHARLS) from 2010 to 2020. A difference-in-differences method was used to identify the causal effects of the natural ecosystem improvement on human health outcomes. The results indicate significant and sustained improvements in the physical health of local middle-aged and elderly residents following the implementation of the NKEFZs policy. Notably, ecological reserves with a water conservation function and those in Karst area have the most salient effects on physical health. Furthermore, this study shows that the creation of ecological reserves improves the mental health of middle-aged and older residents, with the effect varying based on changes in physical health. This study provides new insights into the positive impact of natural ecosystem improvement on human health outcomes, in particular physical and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhe Wang
- School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University, China.
| | - Hai Huang
- School of Applied Economics, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, China.
| | - Jie Xiong
- Department of Strategy, Entrepreneurship and International Business, ESSCA School of Management, France.
| | - Zhe Yuan
- Léonard de Vinci Pôle Universitaire Research Center, France.
| | - Keya Zeng
- Institute of Western China Economic Research, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, China.
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Vafeiadou A, Banissy MJ, Banissy JF, Higgins JP, Howard G. The influence of climate change on mental health in populations of the western Pacific region: An umbrella scoping review. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21457. [PMID: 38053883 PMCID: PMC10694052 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Western Pacific Region (WPR) is on the front line of climate change challenges. Understanding how these challenges affect the WPR populations' mental health is essential to design effective prevention and care policies. Thus, the present study conducted an umbrella scoping review that examined the influence of climate change on mental health in the WPR, using review articles as a source of information. Ten review articles were selected according to eligibility criteria, and the findings were synthesized according to the socio-economic status of the countries identified: Australia, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, the Pacific Islands (broadly), and China. The findings revealed that each country and sub-region has its own unique profile of climate change-related challenges and vulnerable populations, highlighting the need for specific approaches to mental health care. Specifically, the influence of climate-related challenges differed according to populations' region (e.g., rural populations), demographic characteristics (e.g., age and gender), culture (e.g., traditional tights to land), and employment (e.g., farmers and fishers). The most frequently reported mental health outcomes in response to climate change-related challenges such as droughts, floods, storms, tornadoes, typhoons, and climate-related migration were the decline in mental well-being and the increase in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. In addition, using the GRADE framework for assessing the certainty of the findings, we identified that the number of articles discussing associations between a given climate change challenge and a mental health outcome was overall limited. Based on our findings and findings on a global scale, we identified several key research gaps in WPR and provided recommendations for future research and policy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael J. Banissy
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK
- School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Julian P.T. Higgins
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Guy Howard
- Cabot Institute, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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10
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White BP, Breakey S, Brown MJ, Smith JR, Tarbet A, Nicholas PK, Ros AMV. Mental Health Impacts of Climate Change Among Vulnerable Populations Globally: An Integrative Review. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:66. [PMID: 37810609 PMCID: PMC10558031 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Climate change has been shown to be directly linked to multiple physiological sequelae and to impact health consequences. However, the impact of climate change on mental health globally, particularly among vulnerable populations, is less well understood. Objective To explore the mental health impacts of climate change in vulnerable populations globally. Methods We performed an integrative literature review to identify published articles that addressed the research question: What are the mental health impacts of climate change among vulnerable populations globally? The Vulnerable Populations Conceptual Model served as a theoretical model during the review process and data synthesis. Findings/Results One hundred and four articles were selected for inclusion in this review after a comprehensive review of 1828 manuscripts. Articles were diverse in scope and populations addressed. Land-vulnerable persons (either due to occupation or geographic location), Indigenous persons, children, older adults, and climate migrants were among the vulnerable populations whose mental health was most impacted by climate change. The most prevalent mental health responses to climate change included solastalgia, suicidality, depression, anxiety/eco-anxiety, PTSD, substance use, insomnia, and behavioral disturbance. Conclusions Mental health professionals including physicians, nurses, physician assistants and other healthcare providers have the opportunity to mitigate the mental health impacts of climate change among vulnerable populations through assessment, preventative education and care. An inclusive and trauma-informed response to climate-related disasters, use of validated measures of mental health, and a long-term therapeutic relationship that extends beyond the immediate consequences of climate change-related events are approaches to successful mental health care in a climate-changing world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley Patrick White
- MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, US
| | - Suellen Breakey
- MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, US
| | - Margaret J. Brown
- MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, US
| | - Jenny Rand Smith
- MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, 36 1st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, US
| | - Amanda Tarbet
- SFPE Foundation, 9711 Washingtonian Blvd, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, US
| | - Patrice K. Nicholas
- Center for Climate Change, Climate Justice, and Health, MGH Institute of Health Professions School of Nursing, 36 1@st Avenue, Boston, MA 02129, US
| | - Ana M. Viamonte Ros
- Florida International University, Herbert Wertheim School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, US
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11
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Pinchoff J, Regules R, Gomez-Ugarte AC, Abularrage TF, Bojorquez-Chapela I. Coping with climate change: The role of climate related stressors in affecting the mental health of young people in Mexico. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002219. [PMID: 37756293 PMCID: PMC10530030 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Young people today are predicted to experience more climate change related stressors and harms than the previous generation, yet they are often excluded from climate research, policy, and advocacy. Increasingly, this exposure is associated with experience of common mental health disorders (CMD). The VoCes-19 study collected surveys from 168,407 young people across Mexico (ages 15-24 years) through an innovative online platform, collecting information on various characteristics including CMD and experience of recent climate harms. Logistic regression models were fit to explore characteristics associated with CMD. Structural equation models were fit to explore pathways between exposure, feeling of concern about climate change, and a sense of agency (meaning the respondent felt they could help address the climate crisis) and how these relate to CMD. Of the respondents, 42% (n = 50,682) were categorized as experiencing CMD, higher among those who experienced a climate stressor (51%, n = 4,808) vs those not experiencing climate stressors (41%, n = 43,872). Adjusting for key demographic characteristics, exposure to any climate event increased the odds of CMD by 50% (Odd Ratio = 1.57; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.49, 1.64), highest for heatwaves. Specific climate impacts such as housing damage, loss of or inability to work, damage to family business, leaving school and physical health affected were adversely related to CMD, though for different climate hazards. More concern and less agency were related to CMD through different pathways, particularly for those exposed to recent events. Future research regarding the cumulative exposures to climate change, not just acute events but as an ongoing crisis, and various pathways that influence the mental health and well-being of young people must be clearly understood to develop programs and policies to protect the next generation.
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Asbrand J, Michael T, Christiansen H, Reese G. Growing (Up) in Times of Multiple Crises - A Call for Mental Health (Research) Action. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY IN EUROPE 2023; 5:e12713. [PMID: 38356900 PMCID: PMC10863634 DOI: 10.32872/cpe.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Asbrand
- Department of Psychology, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Tanja Michael
- Department of Psychology, Saarland University, Saarbrucken, Germany
| | - Hanna Christiansen
- Department of Psychology, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit (DZPG), Bochum/Marburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Reese
- Department of Psychology, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Campus Landau, Landau, Germany
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13
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Treble M, Cosma A, Martin G. Child and Adolescent Psychological Reactions to Climate Change: A Narrative Review Through an Existential Lens. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2023; 25:357-363. [PMID: 37354373 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-023-01430-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW A narrative review was conducted on research surrounding children's and adolescents' experiences of emotional and mental health and wellbeing in relation to climate change; we also explored potential connections to existential themes. RECENT FINDINGS Children and adolescents represent a vulnerable group in relation to experiencing negative mental health impacts due to climate change. Further, this population experiences a wide range of emotions in relation to climate change, with most research reporting on worry and anxiety. Several studies that explored associations between such emotions and mental health outcomes found positive associations. Additionally, research suggests that there is an existential underpinning to how climate change is experienced by children and adolescents. Although important contributions have been made in recent years, knowledge gaps remain. An understanding of the psychological responses children and adolescents have in relation to climate change is needed to inform practice and policy. This may be supported by an existential framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Treble
- Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB, T9S 3A3, Canada
| | - Alina Cosma
- Department of Sociology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gina Martin
- Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB, T9S 3A3, Canada.
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14
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Daeninck C, Kioupi V, Vercammen A. Climate anxiety, coping strategies and planning for the future in environmental degree students in the UK. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1126031. [PMID: 37564302 PMCID: PMC10409990 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1126031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is increasing recognition of the mental health burden of climate change and the effects on general well-being, even in those who have not (yet) experienced direct impacts. Climate anxiety, which is prominent among young people in particular, describes a state of heightened distress about the (future) effects of climate change. Despite evidence of a link between engagement in climate change issues and heightened climate anxiety, there is a dearth of knowledge on how this affects emerging professionals preparing for careers in the environmental sector. Furthermore, there is a paucity of literature regarding the extent to which young adults are coping with their thoughts and feelings about climate change, and the extent to which they consider climate change in making future plans. Methods The aim of this study was to understand the occurrence and personal management of climate anxiety in UK university students through an online questionnaire. This study was the first to investigate the association between climate anxiety, coping strategies and future planning in university students. Results and discussion Environmental degree students (n = 249) reported greater levels of climate anxiety, more frequent employment of all three examined coping strategies and in particular considered climate change as a factor in their career plans, as compared to their non-environmental degree counterparts (n = 224). Problem-focused coping was the most commonly endorsed strategy, although the prior literature on coping suggests that this may not be sustainable for individually intractable problems. Highly climate-anxious students were more likely to consider climate change in all five decision-making domains, including family planning, long-term habitation, career, financial and travel decisions. This study has identified a need to communicate effective climate anxiety coping strategies to environmental practitioners, university students and educators. Additional research is required to validate the study findings and investigate what motivates students to incorporate climate change into future plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cami Daeninck
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vasiliki Kioupi
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Education, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ans Vercammen
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- The School of Communication and Arts, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD, Australia
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15
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Brülhart M, Klotzbücher V, Lalive R. Young people's mental and social distress in times of international crisis: evidence from helpline calls, 2019-2022. Sci Rep 2023; 13:11858. [PMID: 37481636 PMCID: PMC10363110 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39064-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023] Open
Abstract
We document mental and social distress of children, adolescents and adults, using data on 3 million calls to German helplines between January 2019 and May 2022. High-frequency data from crisis helpline logs offer rich information on the evolution of "revealed distress" among the most vulnerable, unaffected by researchers' study design and framing. Distress of adults, measured by the volume of calls, rose significantly after both the outbreak of the pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In contrast, the overall revealed distress of children and adolescents did not increase during those crises. The nature of young people's concerns, however, changed more strongly than for adults after the COVID-19 outbreak. Consistent with the effects of social distancing, call topics of young people shifted from problems with school and peers to problems with family and mental health. We find the share of severe mental health problems among young people to have increased with a delay, in the second and third year of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Brülhart
- Faculty of Business and Economics (HEC Lausanne), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- CEPR, London, UK
| | | | - Rafael Lalive
- Faculty of Business and Economics (HEC Lausanne), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- CEPR, London, UK.
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16
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Brown A, Collado S, Evans GW, Loebach JE. Designing learning environments for promoting young people's constructive coping with climate change. ADVANCES IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 65:169-198. [PMID: 37481297 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acdb.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
This chapter first summarizes how the consequences of global climate change (GCC) can harm young people's well-being through physical health impacts and awareness of GCC. We then outline how youth may cope with GCC by denying the problem, distancing themselves from it, or taking individual actions. However, the coping strategy shown to have the best mental well-being outcomes relates to collective actions and agency. Next, an examination of school-based GCC interventions reveals that engaging, participatory approaches may be more effective in promoting positive outcomes for youth and climate action. Our main contribution is a discussion of how the evidence-based design of learning environments presents an undeveloped but potentially effective way to enhance interventions for the development of constructive GCC coping strategies among youth. Utilizing environmental affordances and design as scaffolding can guide the design of learning environments that give youth opportunities for active cognitive, emotional, and physical engagement with climate change education. Natural environments may be particularly effective in supporting active engagement and pathways to constructive coping. More research is needed to understand what design features underly these pathways to improved well-being and GCC coping strategies that may have positive implications for youth climate action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Brown
- Department of Human Centered Design, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Silvia Collado
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Teruel, Spain
| | - Gary W Evans
- Department of Human Centered Design, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA; Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Janet E Loebach
- Department of Human Centered Design, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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17
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Potter T, Jonker TP. Mental Health Impacts of Climate Change for Birthing People and the Provider's Role. J Midwifery Womens Health 2023; 68:320-323. [PMID: 37042448 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Teddie Potter
- University of Minnesota School of Nursing, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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18
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Qureshi NA, Bhandari SS, Di Lorenzo G, Sampath H. Editorial: Mental health promotion and protection. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1161358. [PMID: 36923521 PMCID: PMC10009776 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1161358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Naseem Akhtar Qureshi
- Psychiatry Department, School of Medical Science and Research Center, Alfalah University, Faridabad, Haryana, India
| | - Samrat Singh Bhandari
- Department of Psychiatry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim Manipal University, Tadong, Sikkim, India
| | - Giorgio Di Lorenzo
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Harshavardhan Sampath
- Department of Psychiatry, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences, Sikkim Manipal University, Tadong, Sikkim, India
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19
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The clinical implications of climate change for mental health. Nat Hum Behav 2022; 6:1474-1481. [DOI: 10.1038/s41562-022-01477-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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20
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Wortzel JR, Lee J, Benoit L, Rubano A, Pinsky EG. Perspectives on Climate Change and Pediatric Mental Health: a Qualitative Analysis of Interviews with Researchers in the Field. ACADEMIC PSYCHIATRY : THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF DIRECTORS OF PSYCHIATRIC RESIDENCY TRAINING AND THE ASSOCIATION FOR ACADEMIC PSYCHIATRY 2022; 46:562-568. [PMID: 36149577 PMCID: PMC10954300 DOI: 10.1007/s40596-022-01707-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is a growing appreciation that climate change is affecting pediatric mental health, yet research in this field is in its infancy. The authors aimed to interview researchers in this space to identify themes that can help shape curricula and inform mentors guiding trainees entering this research area. METHOD A literature review was completed within PubMed, PsycINFO, and EMBASE for articles written in English and indexed between January 1, 2016, and August 1, 2021. The first and last authors of relevant articles were invited to be interviewed and to recommend other experts, from which 20 of 74 (27%) eligible participants were recruited. Standardized interviews were conducted virtually, transcribed, and qualitatively analyzed. RESULTS Participant responses clustered into two domains, each comprising three themes: (1) current and future research: epidemiology and education, interventions, and gaps in research; and (2) barriers: limited funding, psychological resistance, and logistical impediments. Research has been primarily limited to the phenomenology of eco-anxiety, the aftermath of natural disasters, and psychoeducational interventions. Participants provided insights into how the field can become more interventional, overcome psychological resistance among colleagues through education, and improve funding through calls for grants specific to this topic. CONCLUSIONS This study outlines perspectives on the cutting-edge directions of research in climate mental health for children and impediments to its progress. Generalizability is limited by the small sample of experts interviewed; however, these content experts' opinions can inform curriculum development and help mentors support mentees hoping to develop research careers in climate mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jacob Lee
- University of Hawai'i John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI, USA
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21
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“We Are Running Out of Time”: Temporal Orientation and Information Seeking as Explanatory Factors of Climate Anxiety among Young People. PSYCH 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/psych4030043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Climate change is a major threat to human health and new research is highlighting its effects on physical health. However, there is still little research on the psychological effects, particularly on young people, who seem to be disproportionately affected. (2) Objectives: In this context, we conducted a study focusing on the young adult population to identify psychosocial and behavioral factors that may modulate the intensity of this anxiety. (3) Method: A cross-sectional study by questionnaire was carried out on a sample of 369 young French adults. Data were analyzed via structural equation modelling. (4) Results: The main results suggest that: (1) CFC and information seeking predict climate anxiety, which in turn predicts the emotional consequences of exposure to information about the negative consequences of climate change; (2) information seeking moderates the effects of CFC on climate anxiety. (5) Conclusions: This study highlights both the role of temporal orientation and information seeking on the climate anxiety experienced by young adults. These results provide an interesting lever for health professionals to work with this population who may be more vulnerable to climate anxiety than others.
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22
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Lawrance EL, Thompson R, Newberry Le Vay J, Page L, Jennings N. The Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence, and its Implications. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:443-498. [PMID: 36165756 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2128725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Converging global evidence highlights the dire consequences of climate change for human mental health and wellbeing. This paper summarises literature across relevant disciplines to provide a comprehensive narrative review of the multiple pathways through which climate change interacts with mental health and wellbeing. Climate change acts as a risk amplifier by disrupting the conditions known to support good mental health, including socioeconomic, cultural and environmental conditions, and living and working conditions. The disruptive influence of rising global temperatures and extreme weather events, such as experiencing a heatwave or water insecurity, compounds existing stressors experienced by individuals and communities. This has deleterious effects on people's mental health and is particularly acute for those groups already disadvantaged within and across countries. Awareness and experiences of escalating climate threats and climate inaction can generate understandable psychological distress; though strong emotional responses can also motivate climate action. We highlight opportunities to support individuals and communities to cope with and act on climate change. Consideration of the multiple and interconnected pathways of climate impacts and their influence on mental health determinants must inform evidence-based interventions. Appropriate action that centres climate justice can reduce the current and future mental health burden, while simultaneously improving the conditions that nurture wellbeing and equality. The presented evidence adds further weight to the need for decisive climate action by decision makers across all scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Lawrance
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, UK.,Mental Health Innovations, UK.,Grantham Institute of Climate and the Environment, Imperial College London, UK
| | | | | | - Lisa Page
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, UK
| | - Neil Jennings
- Grantham Institute of Climate and the Environment, Imperial College London, UK
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