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Romano L, Russo C, Gladwin TE, Panno A. Adolescents and Young Adults' Participation in Pro-Environmental Movements: A Systematic Review. J Genet Psychol 2024; 185:373-398. [PMID: 38373092 DOI: 10.1080/00221325.2024.2316804] [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: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is a reality that can no longer be ignored, so much so that combating climate change and its impact is one of the main goals of the UN Agenda 2030. Youths, albeit the main victims of climate change, are often excluded from decision-making processes on sustainable actions. More and more young people are joining collective pro-environmental movements, raising their voices against the current inadequate sustainable policies and claiming to be the main actors of change. However, pro-environmental collective actions are often judged negatively by public opinion, diminishing their effectiveness and potentially impacting youth participation. In light of this, it is critical to understand the individual, contextual and relational aspects that lead young people to engage with these movements. The present study aimed to systematically review the existing literature on factors that might promote youth participation in pro-environmental movements. According to the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a literature search of three databases (PsycINFO, ProQuest, and SCOPUS). Moreover, we deepened our research by focusing on two relevant theoretical models on collective actions, the Social Identity Model of Collective Action and the Social Identity Model of Pro-Environmental Action. After the screening and the eligibility phases, 11 articles (12 studies) were included. Most of the selected studies adopted a cross-sectional quantitative design. The results revealed individual and relational factors involved in promoting youths' involvement in pro-environmental movements. To the aim of deepening young people's pro-environmental activism, findings highlighted the need to consider personal and social drivers together. Limitations of the study, future directions, and practical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciano Romano
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Russo
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Panno
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Hertelendy AJ, Howard C, Sorensen C, Ranse J, Eboreime E, Henderson S, Tochkin J, Ciottone G. Seasons of smoke and fire: preparing health systems for improved performance before, during, and after wildfires. Lancet Planet Health 2024; 8:e588-e602. [PMID: 39122327 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(24)00144-x] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Increased frequency, intensity, and duration of wildfires are intensifying exposure to direct and smoke-related hazards in many areas, leading to evacuation and smoke-related effects on health and health systems that can affect regions extending over thousands of kilometres. Effective preparation and response are currently hampered by inadequate training, continued siloing of disciplines, insufficient finance, and inadequate coordination between health systems and governance at municipal, regional, national, and international levels. This Review highlights the key health and health systems considerations before, during, and after wildfires, and outlines how a health system should respond to optimise population health outcomes now and into the future. The focus is on the implications of wildfires for air quality, mental health, and emergency management, with elements of international policy and finance also addressed. We discuss commonalities of existing climate-resilient health care and disaster management frameworks and integrate them into an approach that addresses issues of financing, leadership and governance, health workforce, health information systems, infrastructure, supply chain, technologies, community interaction and health-care delivery, before, during, and after a wildfire season. This Review is a practical briefing for leaders and health professionals facing severe wildfire seasons and a call to break down silos and join with other disciplines to proactively plan for and fund innovation and coordination in service of a healthier future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila J Hertelendy
- Department of Information Systems and Business Analytics, College of Business, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA; Disaster Medicine Fellowship, Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Courtney Howard
- Cummings School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Dahdaleh Institute for Global Health Research, York University, ON, Canada
| | - Cecilia Sorensen
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jamie Ranse
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Ejemai Eboreime
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Sarah Henderson
- Environmental Health Services, BC Center for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Tochkin
- School of Health Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK; Health Emergency Management, Vernon, BC, Canada
| | - Gregory Ciottone
- Disaster Medicine Fellowship, Department of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA
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3
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Bhawra J, Elsahli N, Patel J. Applying Digital Technology to Understand Human Experiences of Climate Change Impacts on Food Security and Mental Health: Scoping Review. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e54064. [PMID: 39042453 PMCID: PMC11303902 DOI: 10.2196/54064] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The global impact of climate change ranges from intense heatwaves to extreme weather events that endanger entire ecosystems and people's way of life. Adverse climate change events place undue stress on food and health systems, with consequences for human food security and mental health status. Ubiquitous digital devices, such as smartphones, have the potential to manage existing and emerging climate-related crises, given their ability to enable rapid response, instant communication, and knowledge sharing. OBJECTIVE This scoping review aimed to identify digital apps being used to capture or address climate change impacts on food security and mental health to inform the development of a digital citizen science initiative. METHODS A scoping review was conducted using 3 peer-reviewed databases (PubMed, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science) and manual gray literature searches of relevant organizational (ie, governmental and nonprofit) websites to identify articles and reports published between January 2012 and July 2023. Three separate searches were conducted in each database to identify digital apps focused on climate change and (1) food security, (2) mental health, and (3) food security and mental health. Two reviewers conducted initial screening, with a third reviewer resolving any discrepancies. Articles focused on climate change impacts on wildlife or agriculture (ie, not human food security) were excluded. Full-text screening was conducted for shortlisted articles, and a final data abstraction table was generated, summarizing key app features, contextual factors, and participant involvement. RESULTS From the 656 records screened, 14 digital apps met the inclusion criteria. The food security apps (n=7, 50%) aimed to capture traditional knowledge to preserve food systems, conduct food security assessments, and aid users in decreasing food insecurity risk. The mental health apps (n=7, 50%) assessed climate change-related stress and provided users with coping strategies following adverse weather events. No digital apps examined the intersection of climate change, food security, and mental health. Key app features included user-to-user communication (n=5, 36%), knowledge databases (n=5, 36%), data collection and analysis (n=3, 21%), gamification (n=1, 7%), and educational resources (n=2, 14%) to address climate change impacts on food security or mental health. In total, 3 approaches to participant involvement were used across studies, including contributory (n=1, 7%), collaborative (n=1, 7%), and cocreative (n=1, 7%) approaches, to ensure the relevance and use of digital apps. CONCLUSIONS Most digital apps identified provided a service to citizens to either prevent adverse climate change-related health impacts or manage these effects following an acute event or a natural disaster. The capacity of ubiquitous digital tools to enable near real-time communication, the involvement of various stakeholder groups, and their ability to share relevant educational resources in a timely manner are important for developing tailored climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies across jurisdictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Bhawra
- CHANGE Research Lab, School of Occupational and Public Health, Faculty of Community Services, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nadine Elsahli
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jamin Patel
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Arnot G, Thomas S, Pitt H, McCarthy S, Warner E. "Older people will die of old age. I'll die of climate change": engaging children and young people in climate decision making for public health. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1869. [PMID: 38997688 PMCID: PMC11245781 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19406-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The climate crisis is a significant risk to the health and wellbeing of children, young people, and future generations. While there are calls for children and young people's engagement in climate decision making, current power structures limit their participation. This paper aimed to understand children's perspectives about the impact of the climate crisis on their futures, their ability to influence climate decisions, and strategies and mechanisms to facilitate their greater engagement in decisions made about the climate crisis. METHODS Online in-depth interviews were conducted with n = 28 children (aged 12-16 years) across Australia. Photo elicitation techniques were used to prompt discussion about how the climate crisis impacted their futures, their ability to influence climate decisions, and strategies and mechanisms to engage them in climate decision making. A reflexive approach to thematic analysis was used to construct three themes from data. Images were analysed for ascribed meanings. RESULTS First, participants stated that they and future generations will inherit the climate crisis from older generations, specifically decision makers. Second, they described a need to address a range of age-related barriers that limit children and young people's engagement in climate decision making, including perceptions about their capabilities. Finally, they discussed strategies and mechanisms to embed children and young people's perspectives within climate decision making, including at civic and political levels. CONCLUSIONS Children and young people have the right to be involved in decisions made about the climate crisis which significantly impact their futures, including their health and wellbeing. They argue for structural changes to embed their views in climate decision making, and describe a range of engagement strategies and mechanisms to structure their perspectives and knowledge with decision making processes. Furthermore, genuine involvement of children and young people in climate discussions must avoid youthwashing and tokenistic participation. The public health community can help address barriers to youth participation in climate action and should actively engage and collaborate with children and young people to facilitate their political and democratic influence over the climate crisis. This involves making room and creating an accessible seat at the decision making table to ensure their perspectives are embedded in climate decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Arnot
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia.
| | - Samantha Thomas
- Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Hannah Pitt
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Simone McCarthy
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Elyse Warner
- Institute for Health Transformation, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, 1 Geringhap Street, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
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Becht A, Spitzer J, Grapsas S, van de Wetering J, Poorthuis A, Smeekes A, Thomaes S. Feeling anxious and being engaged in a warming world: climate anxiety and adolescents' pro-environmental behavior. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024. [PMID: 38940197 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.14035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate anxiety is increasingly prevalent among adolescents worldwide. Are climate-anxious adolescents prone to engage in pro-environmental behavior? Or might the association between climate anxiety and pro-environmental be curvilinear, such that high levels of climate anxiety become 'paralyzing'? And do these associations depend on whether adolescents believe that, with effort, the worst impacts of climate change can still be prevented? METHODS We addressed these questions in three studies (two preregistered; combined N = 2,211), conducted across two countries. We used cross-sectional and longitudinal methods, and various measures of climate anxiety and pro-environmental behavior. We performed Bayesian regression analyses comparing two models that tested competing hypotheses. The first model included a linear effect of climate anxiety on pro-environmental behavior, and the second model included both a linear and a curvilinear (i.e. inverted U-shaped) effect of climate anxiety on pro-environmental behavior. Next, we added environmental efficacy to the best fitting model and explored its moderating effects. RESULTS Adolescents reported low-to-moderate levels of climate anxiety. Across the board, we found evidence for a small, positive, and mostly linear (rather than curvilinear) association between climate anxiety and pro-environmental behavior. While Study 1 supported a curvilinear association (Bayes Factor (BF) = 18.87), Studies 2 and 3 mostly supported a linear model (BFs range 6.86-12.71), except for weak support (BF = 1.62) for a curvilinear association between climate anxiety symptoms and public sphere pro-environmental behavior. Adolescents' environmental efficacy moderated this link for public sphere (e.g. activism), but not private sphere (e.g. recycling), pro-environmental behavior. CONCLUSIONS Climate-anxious adolescents are prone to engage in pro-environmental behavior. We found limited evidence for 'eco-paralysis' (i.e. a passive state of pro-environmental behavioral stasis) at high levels of climate anxiety. Our results are consistent with the possibility that supporting adolescents' environmental efficacy will help climate-anxious adolescents engage in public sphere pro-environmental behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrik Becht
- Department of Education and Pedagogy, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jenna Spitzer
- Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stathis Grapsas
- Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Astrid Poorthuis
- Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anouk Smeekes
- Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sander Thomaes
- Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Pasco MC, White RMB. A mixed methods comparison of adolescents' and researchers' observations of neighborhood characteristics in Latinx neighborhoods. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 73:526-540. [PMID: 38353492 DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
We used a convergent mixed methods research design to compare and contrast researchers' neighborhood environmental assessments collected using systematic social observations with adolescents' neighborhood environmental assessments collected by semi-structured interviews with US Mexican adolescents. Using qualitative methods, we found that adolescents sometimes observed the same neighborhood environmental features as researchers. They also sometimes observed different environmental features altogether; in both cases they sometimes layered on additional meaning making. Using mixed methods, we found that there was a high degree of overlap between researchers and adolescents in terms of agreement on the presence of neighborhood environmental features, including physical disorder, physical decay, street safety, and sociocultural symbols. Adolescents expanded upon these neighborhood environmental features with references to positive and negative affect and neighborhood environmental resources. This work highlights the shared and unique aspects of researcher versus adolescent observations and how both data sources are critical to understanding Latinx neighborhood environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C Pasco
- Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rebecca M B White
- T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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7
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Edwards B, Taylor M, Gray M. The influence of natural disasters and multiple natural disasters on self-harm and suicidal behaviour: findings from a nationally representative cohort study of Australian adolescents. SSM Popul Health 2024; 25:101576. [PMID: 38225954 PMCID: PMC10788300 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2023.101576] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Few studies have examined the relationship between exposure to natural hazards and suicide and self-harm in youth. We extend prior research by investigating the association between multiple disasters and the risks of self-harm and suicide longitudinally in a nationally representative longitudinal cohort of adolescents 14 to 15 years to 18-19 years of age. Natural disasters were identified through parental self-reports for the local area. Different types of multiple disaster exposures were investigated including compound disasters (two or more disasters occurring in the last 12 months), cascading disasters (a disaster that leads to another disaster in the subsequent wave) and consecutive disasters (multiple disasters within the last two years or over an eight-year period). Using 8,714 person-waves of data from 2,908 adolescents, findings from random effect models suggest that parental reports of fire or floods increase the risk of self-harm ideation, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Compound disasters of fire/flood and drought were also associated with increased risk of suicidal thoughts. Cascading disasters of drought followed by fire/flood increased the risks of self-harm but recurrent consecutive droughts were associated with lower risks of suicidal ideation. Australian adolescents are exposed to high rates of natural disasters that increase the risk of self-harm and thoughts of self-harm and suicide. Climate change will increase risk of natural disaster exposure for all countries. Despite these increased risks, there was resilience to disaster exposure particularly in the case of recurrent drought suggesting that youth, families and communities may well develop protective strategies to support mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben Edwards
- Centre for Social Research and Methods, Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Matthew Taylor
- Centre for Social Research and Methods, Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Matthew Gray
- Centre for Social Research and Methods, Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Datta P, Datta R, Lewis K, Hurlbert M. Youth response to climate change: Learning from Indigenous land-based camp at the Northern Saskatchewan Indigenous Communities, Canada. Explore (NY) 2024; 20:102985. [PMID: 38403549 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
This paper represents Youth's involvement in land-based learning in Indigenous culture camps (LLICP) in a powerful and innovative approach to addressing the pressing global issue of climate change. Following Indigenist and relational approaches, we (Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth and educators) explore the critical aspects of this initiative, highlighting its significance and potential impact. Indigenous communities have long held a deep connection with the land and possess traditional knowledge that is invaluable in combating climate change. The LLICP initiative involves organizing cultural camps designed for youth from diverse backgrounds to learn from Indigenous elders and community leaders about the vital relationship between the environment and Indigenous cultures. The LLICP provides a unique opportunity for young people to engage with Indigenous wisdom, traditional practices, and land-based teachings. Through Indigenous elders and knowledge-keepers guidelines, we learned a holistic understanding of sustainable living, biodiversity conservation, and the importance of preserving ecosystems. Our learning helped us, particularly our youths, to become proactive stewards of the environment and advocates for climate action. The LLICP fosters cross-cultural understanding and collaboration, encouraging a sense of unity among youths. The LLICP inspires innovative solutions to climate-related challenges and empowers youth to take leadership roles in their communities, advocating for sustainable policies and practices. The LLICP offers a powerful means of engaging young people in the fight against climate change while respecting and honoring Indigenous knowledge and heritage. It is a promising step towards a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prarthona Datta
- Youth, Land-based learner and activist at Calgary High School, AB, Canada
| | - Ranjan Datta
- Department of Humanities, Canada Research Chair in Community Disaster Research, Indigenous Studies, Mount Royal University, AB, Canada.
| | - Kevin Lewis
- College of Education, University of Saskatchewan, SK, Canada
| | - Margot Hurlbert
- Canada Research Chair in Climate Change, Energy and Sustainability Policy Centre for the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Regina, Canada
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Çimşir E, Şahin MD, Akdoğan R. Unveiling the relationships between eco-anxiety, psychological symptoms and anthropocentric narcissism: The psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Hogg eco-anxiety scale. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2024; 11:e26. [PMID: 38572253 PMCID: PMC10988136 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2024.20] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of losses and damages caused by the climate crisis has rendered the psychometric assessment of the climate crisis more important than ever, specifically in developing countries, such as Turkey. The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-13), using exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) on the cross-sectional data collected from 445 adults (286 females and 159 males; Mage = 29.76, range 18-65). The results supported the four-factor solution of the original version in the Turkish sample. Further analysis confirmed the invariance of the HEAS-13 across genders. The results demonstrated significant correlations of the HEAS-13 subscales with the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and the Anthropocentric Narcissism Scale (ANS), except for that between the behavioral symptoms subscale of the HEAS-13 and the ANS. Both the total and the subscale scores of the HEAS-13 were also found to be reliable, given the internal consistency and test-retest reliability values. The Turkish version of the HEAS-13 can expand the scientific understanding of eco-anxiety, which can help develop mental health services to mitigate the negative mental health impacts of the environmental crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Çimşir
- Department of Guidance & Counseling Faculty of Education, Anadolu University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Murat Doğan Şahin
- Department of Measurement and Evaluation Faculty of Education, Anadolu University, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Akdoğan
- Department of Guidance & Counseling Faculty of Education, Anadolu University, Eskisehir, Turkey
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10
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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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11
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Newberry Le Vay J, Cunningham A, Soul L, Dave H, Hoath L, Lawrance EL. Integrating mental health into climate change education to inspire climate action while safeguarding mental health. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1298623. [PMID: 38259528 PMCID: PMC10800611 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1298623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Climate change is the greatest threat humanity faces, and puts at risk the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. Climate change education must equip children and young people with the knowledge, skills and resilience to live in an uncertain future, sustainably take relevant climate action and work in climate careers. As attention on climate change education grows, this is a critical moment for the mental health community to ensure mental health and wellbeing considerations are embedded. Critically, appropriate integration of mental health can enable these very necessary goals of equipping children and young people to live and work in a future where climate change looms large. This paper explores why promoting good mental health and wellbeing and building psychological resilience can help achieve climate change education outcomes, and why not doing so risks harming children and young people's mental health. It also explores how integrating discussions about emotions, mental health, and coping strategies within climate change education can be a route into wider discussions about mental health, to support children and young people in the context of rising mental health needs. Learning from an existing approach to promoting good mental health and wellbeing in schools (the 'whole school approach') provides the opportunity to explore one avenue through which such an integrated approach could be implemented in practice. Identifying appropriate mechanisms to integrate mental health into climate change education will require co-design and research with educators and young people, and addressing systemic barriers facing the schools sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Newberry Le Vay
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Grantham Institute—Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Laura Soul
- Natural History Museum, London, United Kingdom
| | - Heena Dave
- Climate Adapted Pathways for Education, UK Wide, United Kingdom
- Teacher Development Trust, London, United Kingdom
- School of Education, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Leigh Hoath
- Climate Adapted Pathways for Education, UK Wide, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Education, Leeds Trinity University, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Emma L. Lawrance
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Grantham Institute—Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Mental Health Innovations, London, United Kingdom
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12
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Murphy N, Rarama T, Atama A, Kauyaca I, Batibasaga K, Azzopardi P, Bowen KJ, Bohren MA. Changing climates, compounding challenges: a participatory study on how disasters affect the sexual and reproductive health and rights of young people in Fiji. BMJ Glob Health 2023; 8:e013299. [PMID: 38103898 PMCID: PMC10729163 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2023-013299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Pacific youth are at the forefront of the climate crisis, which has important implications for their health and rights. Youth in Fiji currently bear a disproportionate burden of poor experiences and outcomes related to their sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). There is limited information about how the increasing climate impacts may affect their SRHR, and what the implications may be for climate action and disaster risk reduction. We aimed to explore the experiences of 21 Fijian youth in fulfilling their SRHR when living through multiple natural hazards. We conducted 2 workshops and 18 individual semistructured interviews using visual and storytelling methods. Irrespective of the type of hazard or context of disasters, participants identified limited agency as the main challenge that increased SRHR risks. Through reflexive thematic analysis, we identified four themes centred around 'youth SRHR agency'; (1) information and knowledge, (2) community and belonging, (3) needs and resources, and (4) collective risks. These themes encompassed multiple factors that limited youth agency and increased their SRHR risks. Participants highlighted how existing challenges to their SRHR, such as access to SRHR information being controlled by community gatekeepers, and discrimination of sexual and gender diverse youth, were exacerbated in disasters. In disaster contexts, immediate priorities such as water, food and financial insecurity increased risks of transactional early marriage and transactional sex to access these resources. Daily SRHR risks related to normalisation of sexual and gender-based violence and taboos limited youth agency and influenced their perceptions of disasters and SRHR risks. Findings offer important insights into factors that limited youth SRHR agency before, during and after disasters. We underscore the urgency for addressing existing social and health inequities in climate and disaster governance. We highlight four key implications for reducing youth SRHR risks through whole-of-society approaches at multiple (sociocultural, institutional, governance) levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabreesa Murphy
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tamani Rarama
- Fiji Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance (FYSA), Nadi, Fiji
| | - Alanieta Atama
- Fiji Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance (FYSA), Nadi, Fiji
| | - Ilaisa Kauyaca
- Fiji Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance (FYSA), Nadi, Fiji
| | - Kelera Batibasaga
- Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji (RFHAF), Nadi, Fiji
| | - Peter Azzopardi
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Adolescent Health and Wellbeing Program, Telethon Kids Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kathryn J Bowen
- Melbourne Climate Futures, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Research Institute for Sustainability-Helmholtz Centre Potsdam, Potsdam, Brandenburg, Germany
| | - Meghan A Bohren
- Gender and Women's Health Unit, Nossal Institute for Global Health, The University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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13
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Wu J, Long D, Hafez N, Maloney J, Lim Y, Samji H. Development and validation of a youth climate anxiety scale for the Youth Development Instrument survey. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2023; 32:1473-1483. [PMID: 37605318 DOI: 10.1111/inm.13201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Emerging terms in the literature such as climate anxiety describe heightened concern, fear, and anxiety related to the climate crisis. Recent efforts have attempted to develop and validate scales to measure climate anxiety; however, extant research is largely focused on adults. Consequently, it is unclear whether developed measures are appropriate for adolescent populations, despite disproportionate impacts of the climate crisis experienced by this age group. The purpose of this study was two-fold; first, we aimed to assess levels of climate concern among Canadian adolescents using the Youth Development Instrument (YDI), a population-level youth well-being survey administered in schools with students (ages 15-18). Secondly, we collaborated with adolescents to adapt an existing climate anxiety scale to be included in the YDI survey. We used survey results to validate the adapted scale for use with adolescents and assessed levels of climate anxiety within our sample. In consultation with adolescents, the 13-item Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS) was adapted to create the Climate Change Anxiety Scale - Short-form (CCAS-S) which consists of four-items adapted from the original CCAS. A total of 2306 respondents were included in analyses. Most adolescents reported feeling climate change concern (75.8%). A smaller proportion reported experiences of climate anxiety (48.7%). Confirmatory factor analysis supported a one-factor structure for the CCAS-S, with high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.95) and good model fit with error co-variance. Findings from this study provide construct validity evidence and reliability for the use of the CCAS-S in adolescent populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy Wu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David Long
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nada Hafez
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Maloney
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Yan Lim
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hasina Samji
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Center for Disease Control (BCCDC), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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14
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Ediz Ç, Yanik D. The effects of climate change awareness on mental health: Comparison of climate anxiety and hopelessness levels in Turkish youth. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2023; 69:2157-2166. [PMID: 37874036 DOI: 10.1177/00207640231206060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate anxiety, one of the negative emotions created by climate change, is particularly prevalent among climate activists and young individuals who hold a more serious concern for environmental issues. AIM This study aims to determine the effects of climate change awareness on the mental health of young people in Turkey. METHODS Designed as a descriptive and two-group comparative study, the target population of this study comprises young individuals aged 15 to 24 who are climate activists and those who are not. The study data was collected through e-questionnaires administered between March 15 and May 10, 2023, using a demographic characteristics form, a climate change anxiety scale and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. The study was completed with a total of 306 participants, including 103 young individuals who are climate activists and 203 young individuals who are not climate activists. RESULTS We determined that young individuals who are climate activists have a high level of climate change anxiety, while those who are not climate activists have a moderate level of climate change anxiety. We found that the levels of hopelessness in both groups are at a mild level. Additionally, within the group of climate activists, we observed that individuals with a higher level of knowledge about climate change tend to exhibit greater levels of hopelessness. CONCLUSIONS We identified that as awareness and knowledge about climate change increase, climate change anxiety, and hopelessness also increase. There is a need for studies to determine youth-specific mental health interventions to address mental health issues related to climate change awareness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Çiçek Ediz
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Hakkari, Hakkari, Turkey
| | - Derya Yanik
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Batman, Batman, Turkey
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15
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Beese S, Drumm K, Wells-Yoakum K, Postma J, Graves JM. Flexible Resources Key to Neighborhood Resilience for Children: A Scoping Review. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1791. [PMID: 38002882 PMCID: PMC10670030 DOI: 10.3390/children10111791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Neighborhoods have been the focus of health researchers seeking to develop upstream strategies to mitigate downstream disease development. In recent years, neighborhoods have become a primary target in efforts to promote health and resilience following deleterious social conditions such as the climate crisis, extreme weather events, the global pandemic, and supply chain disruptions. Children are often the most vulnerable populations after experiencing unexpected shocks. To examine and describe conceptually the construct of Neighborhood Resilience, we conducted a comprehensive scoping review using the terms ("resilience" or "resiliency" or "resilient") AND ("neighborhood"), utilizing MEDLINE (through PubMed) and CINAHL (through EBSCOhost) databases, to assess overall neighborhood themes that impact resilience. A total of 57 articles were extracted that met inclusion criteria. Extracted characteristics included study purpose, country of origin, key findings, environmental protective/risk factors. The analysis revealed a positive relationship between neighborhood resource density, neighborhood resiliency, and individual resiliency. This study reports the finding for studies with a population focus of pre-school age and school age children (1.5-18 years of age). Broadly, we identified that the primary goals regarding neighborhood resilience for childhood can be conceptualized as all activities and resources that (a) prevent trauma during childhood development and/or (b) mitigate or heal childhood trauma once it has occurred. This goal conceptually encompasses antecedents that increase protective factors and reduces risk factors for children and their families. This comprehensive look at the literature showed that a neighborhood's ability to build, promote, and maintain resiliency is often largely dependent on the flexible resources (i.e., knowledge, money, power, prestige, and beneficial social connections) that are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna Beese
- College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences (CAHNRS), Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA;
- College of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99201, USA; (J.P.); (J.M.G.)
| | - Kailie Drumm
- Nursing Program, Lower Columbia College, Longview, WA 98632, USA;
| | - Kayla Wells-Yoakum
- College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resources Sciences (CAHNRS), Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA;
| | - Julie Postma
- College of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99201, USA; (J.P.); (J.M.G.)
| | - Janessa M. Graves
- College of Nursing, Washington State University, Spokane, WA 99201, USA; (J.P.); (J.M.G.)
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16
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Bower M, Donohoe-Bales A, Nguyen AQH, Smout S, Boyle J, Barrett E, Partridge SR, Mandoh M, Simmons M, Valanju R, Yan F, Ou C, Meas D, Guo K, Mautner D, Al Hadaya I, Rose D, Teesson M. Mental health and wellbeing outcomes of youth participation: A scoping review protocol. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293006. [PMID: 37847717 PMCID: PMC10581453 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
There is growing recognition that young people should be given opportunities to participate in the decisions that affect their lives, such as advisory groups, representative councils, advocacy or activism. Positive youth development theory and sociopolitical development theory propose pathways through which youth participation can influence mental health and wellbeing outcomes. However, there is limited empirical research synthesising the impact of participation on youth mental health and/or wellbeing, or the characteristics of activities that are associated with better or worse mental health and/or wellbeing outcomes. This scoping review seeks to address this gap by investigating the scope and nature of evidence detailing how youth participation initiatives can influence mental health and/or wellbeing outcomes for participants. To be eligible, literature must describe youth (aged 15-24) in participation activities and the impact of this engagement on participant mental health and/or wellbeing outcomes. A systematic scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey literature will be conducted using Scopus, PsycINFO, Embase, Medline and grey literature databases. The scoping review will apply established methodology by Arksey and O'Malley, Levac and colleagues and the Joanna Briggs Institute. Title, abstract, and full text screening will be completed by two reviewers, data will be extracted by one reviewer. Findings will be reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), including a qualitative summary of the characteristics of youth participation and their influence on youth mental health outcomes. Youth advisory group members will be invited to deliver governance on the project from the outset; participate in, and contribute to, all stages of the review process; reflect on their own experiences of participation; and co-author the resulting publication. This scoping review will provide essential knowledge on how participation activities can be better designed to maximise beneficial psychosocial outcomes for involved youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlee Bower
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amarina Donohoe-Bales
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andre Quan Ho Nguyen
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Scarlett Smout
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julia Boyle
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emma Barrett
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephanie R. Partridge
- Engagement and Codesign Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mariam Mandoh
- Engagement and Codesign Hub, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Magenta Simmons
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Radhika Valanju
- Youth Mental Health Advisory Team (YMHAT), Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fulin Yan
- Youth Mental Health Advisory Team (YMHAT), Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cheryl Ou
- Youth Mental Health Advisory Team (YMHAT), Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Danica Meas
- Youth Mental Health Advisory Team (YMHAT), Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kailin Guo
- Youth Mental Health Advisory Team (YMHAT), Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dominik Mautner
- Youth Mental Health Advisory Team (YMHAT), Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Imeelya Al Hadaya
- Youth Mental Health Advisory Team (YMHAT), Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dominique Rose
- Youth Mental Health Advisory Team (YMHAT), Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maree Teesson
- Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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17
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Regules R, Pinchoff J, Gomez-Ugarte AC, Abularrage TF, Vieitez I, Ngo TD. Climate-related experiences and harms in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic: results from a survey of 152,088 Mexican youth. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16549. [PMID: 37783750 PMCID: PMC10545750 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43305-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The dual crises of COVID-19 and climate change are impacting the lives of adolescents and young people as they transition to adulthood in an uncertain world, yet they are often excluded from research and political discourse. We surveyed young people about their needs and experiences, critical to engaging them and designing effective programs and policies to address these intersecting harms. The 2022 round of a national online survey through the Violence Outcomes in COVID-19 Epoch (VoCes) Study surveyed 152,088 Mexican youth (15-24 years). Logistic regressions were implemented to identify characteristics associated with four climate responses (economic, work-related, receiving government support, or social network support). Overall, 8.1% of participants experienced a recent climate hazard, with major impacts including housing damage from floods, and crop/livestock losses from drought. Participants who experienced a climate hazard were more likely to have experienced a pandemic-related harm, suggesting a dual impact. Poor youth were more likely to report economic losses from both the pandemic and a climate event but least likely to receive government support. Economic effects from the pandemic are exacerbating climate-related harms, unequally threatening the poorest youth. Engaging young people in decision-making and supporting the most vulnerable youth is critical for the next generation to thrive.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessie Pinchoff
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza #3, New York, NY, 10017, USA.
| | | | - Tara F Abularrage
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza #3, New York, NY, 10017, USA
| | | | - Thoai D Ngo
- Population Council, One Dag Hammarskjold Plaza #3, New York, NY, 10017, USA
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18
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Vercammen A, Oswald T, Lawrance E. Psycho-social factors associated with climate distress, hope and behavioural intentions in young UK residents. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001938. [PMID: 37610987 PMCID: PMC10446227 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Although the UK has been relatively spared significant geophysical impacts of climate change, many people, youth in particular, are increasingly worried about climate change. The psychological distress associated with the (perceived) threat of climate change has been linked to poorer mental wellbeing but can also promote adaptive responses such as engagement in pro-environmental behaviour. In this mixed methods study, we delve deeper into the experience of 'climate distress' among UK residents aged 16-24 (N = 539). We conducted an online survey assessing general mental health, subjective wellbeing, and climate distress with existing scales. We also included novel questions assessing positive and negative life impacts of climate change, open-ended questions on aspirations and priorities for the future, and engagement in pro-environmental and climate actions. Our findings indicate that mental health factors may contribute to vulnerability to climate distress. Predictably, socio-psychological responses to climate change (i.e., frustration over inaction, lack of control, and shame or guilt about one's own contributions) were linked to higher scores on the climate distress scale. Negatively appraised climate change-related events (i.e., seeing an environment they care about change for the worse) were associated with higher climate distress. Individuals with high climate distress (10.1% of our sample) reported worrying about the impact of climate change on their own future more frequently than any other topic surveyed (including personal finance, career, relationships, politics). Both positive (hope/interest) and negative (anger/frustration) emotions inspired action-taking, especially climate activism, which was negatively predicted by guilt/shame and sadness/fear. Private-sphere pro-environmental actions appeared less driven by strong emotions. Overall, our findings present a more nuanced picture of climate distress in terms of emotional responses, behaviour, and mental health. Longitudinal research is urgently needed to understand how distress may change over time, and the conditions that lead to adaptive and maladaptive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ans Vercammen
- The School of Communication and Arts, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- The Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tassia Oswald
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
- The Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Lawrance
- The Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- The Grantham Institute for Climate Change and the Environment, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Mental Health Innovations, London, United Kingdom
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19
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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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20
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Mathers-Jones J, Todd J. Ecological anxiety and pro-environmental behaviour: The role of attention. J Anxiety Disord 2023; 98:102745. [PMID: 37480627 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is a serious threat to human health and the awareness of this threat can elicit ecological anxiety (eco-anxiety), which could be considered a rational and potentially adaptive response. However, the experience of eco-anxiety does not always lead to adaptive behaviour. The present study investigated whether differential patterns of selective attention towards climate-related information, and variability in this attention, might explain this inconsistent relationship. Participants completed a dot-probe assessment of attentional bias to images of both climate change mitigation strategies and of climate change causes and consequences, and measures of eco-anxiety, climate change belief, environmental self-efficacy, and general psychological symptoms. Engagement in pro-environmental behaviours was measured using a daily behavioural diary. Eco-anxiety and attentional bias independently predicted behaviour, but did not interact. However, attentional bias variability moderated the relationship between eco-anxiety and behaviour, such that higher eco-anxiety predicted greater behavioural engagement, but only when attentional bias variability was low. This was the first known study to examine the potential moderating effect of attentional bias on the relationship between eco-anxiety and pro-environmental behaviours. This growing field of research can help in identifying how the rational response of eco-anxiety can be better harnessed to motivate an adaptive response to the climate crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordon Mathers-Jones
- Clinical Psychology Unit, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jemma Todd
- Clinical Psychology Unit, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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21
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Bähr C, Taylor LK. Growing up amid conflict: Implications of the Developmental Peacebuilding Model. ADVANCES IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 65:199-234. [PMID: 37481298 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acdb.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, 420 million children are affected by conflict and over half of all children experience violence every year. Thus, youth are unarguably affected by war and settings of persisting societal violence. Despite often being conceptualized as either powerless victims or violent perpetrators, recent advances in research and international policy recognize young people as key change agents in transforming adverse settings into positive environments. Framed by the Developmental Peacebuilding Model, this paper focuses on predictors, outcomes and intervention points within the family for youth peacebuilding. Recent advances of family-based interventions in diverse, non-WEIRD samples will be highlighted. Rooted in existing knowledge, we conclude with concrete suggestions on how to use secondary data to investigate youth peacebuilding across the globe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Bähr
- Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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22
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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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23
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Eysenbach G, Røssberg JI, Brandtzaeg PB, Skjuve M, Haavet OR, Følstad A, Klovning A. Analyzing User-Generated Web-Based Posts of Adolescents' Emotional, Behavioral, and Symptom Responses to Beliefs About Depression: Qualitative Thematic Analysis. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e37289. [PMID: 36692944 PMCID: PMC9906315 DOI: 10.2196/37289] [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: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is common during adolescence. Early intervention can prevent it from developing into more progressive mental disorders. Combining information technology and clinical psychoeducation is a promising way to intervene at an earlier stage. However, data-driven research on the cognitive response to health information targeting adolescents with symptoms of depression is lacking. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap through a new understanding of adolescents' cognitive response to health information about depression. This knowledge can help to develop population-specific information technology, such as chatbots, in addition to clinical therapeutic tools for use in general practice. METHODS The data set consists of 1870 depression-related questions posted by adolescents on a public web-based information service. Most of the posts contain descriptions of events that lead to depression. On a sample of 100 posts, we conducted a qualitative thematic analysis based on cognitive behavioral theory investigating behavioral, emotional, and symptom responses to beliefs associated with depression. RESULTS Results were organized into four themes. (1) Hopelessness, appearing as a set of negative beliefs about the future, possibly results from erroneous beliefs about the causal link between risk factors and the course of depression. We found beliefs about establishing a sturdy therapy alliance as a responsibility resting on the patient. (2) Therapy hesitancy seemed to be associated with negative beliefs about therapy prognosis and doubts about confidentiality. (3) Social shame appeared as a consequence of impaired daily function when the cause is not acknowledged. (4) Failing to attain social interaction appeared to be associated with a negative symptom response. In contrast, actively obtaining social support reduces symptoms and suicidal thoughts. CONCLUSIONS These results could be used to meet the clinical aims stated by earlier psychoeducation development, such as instilling hope through direct reattribution of beliefs about the future; challenging causal attributions, thereby lowering therapy hesitancy; reducing shame through the mechanisms of externalization by providing a tentative diagnosis despite the risk of stigmatizing; and providing initial symptom relief by giving advice on how to open up and reveal themselves to friends and family and balance the message of self-management to fit coping capabilities. An active counseling style advises the patient to approach the social environment, demonstrating an attitude toward self-action.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jan Ivar Røssberg
- Division of Psychiatric Treatment Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Petter Bae Brandtzaeg
- Department of Media and Communication, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,SINTEF Digital, Sustainable Communication Technologies, Oslo, Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marita Skjuve
- SINTEF Digital, Sustainable Communication Technologies, Oslo, Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole Rikard Haavet
- Department of General Practice/Family Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Asbjørn Følstad
- SINTEF Digital, Sustainable Communication Technologies, Oslo, Norway, Oslo, Norway
| | - Atle Klovning
- Department of General Practice/Family Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Lapan C, Rimm-Kaufman SE, Merritt EG. Promoting fourth-grade students’ autonomy, competence, and relatedness through service-learning. APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/10888691.2022.2149522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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25
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Peter F, Dohm L, Krimmer M. Psychische Konsequenzen der Klimakrise. Monatsschr Kinderheilkd 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00112-022-01670-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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26
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Skeirytė A, Krikštolaitis R, Liobikienė G. The differences of climate change perception, responsibility and climate-friendly behavior among generations and the main determinants of youth's climate-friendly actions in the EU. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 323:116277. [PMID: 36137455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The role of society to mitigate climate change is particularly important. However, generations, different age cohorts are differently related to and concerned about climate change. The main criticism of the young generation is that they talk about climate change a lot but do not behave in a climate-friendly manner. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to analyze the difference of climate change perception, responsibility and climate-friendly behavior among Baby Boomer generation, Generations X, Y and Z in all European Union (EU) countries. After applying the Chi-square test, the results showed that younger people in the EU tend to have the perception of climate change more often than their older counterparts. Moreover, people from younger generations tend to place responsibility of solving climate change on the business/industrial sectors and environmental groups more often than the preceding generations do. Furthermore, more of young people assumed personal responsibility, used environmentally friendly alternatives to personal cars, and considered carbon footprint before purchasing a product, as opposed to older generations. However, the youth separated waste and decreased the use of disposable items less comparing with older generations. Applying binary logistic regression, the results showed that climate change perception and placement of responsibility on environmental groups positively and statistically significantly influenced all climate-friendly actions of the youth. Personal responsibility statistically significantly decreased probability of all climate-friendly actions. Responsibility placement on the government and business/industrial sectors reduced the probability to carry out waste reduction behavior. Thus, this study revealed that young people are not always climate-friendly, and this study provides the insights into how to promote climate-friendly behavior among youths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnė Skeirytė
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Student7 Str 11, Akademija, LT-52261, Kaunas Dist., Lithuania
| | - Ričardas Krikštolaitis
- Department of Mathematics Ad Statistics, Vytautas Magnus University, Vileikos 8, 44404, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Genovaitė Liobikienė
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Vytautas Magnus University, Student7 Str 11, Akademija, LT-52261, Kaunas Dist., Lithuania.
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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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McGushin A, Gasparri G, Graef V, Ngendahayo C, Timilsina S, Bustreo F, Costello A. Adolescent wellbeing and climate crisis: adolescents are responding, what about health professionals? BMJ 2022; 379:e071690. [PMID: 36302556 PMCID: PMC9600164 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-071690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Alice McGushin and colleagues argue for recognition of the diverse ways in which climate change affects adolescent wellbeing and call for health professionals to work with them to respond to the crisis
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice McGushin
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, United Kingdom
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, United Kingdom
| | - Giulia Gasparri
- Partnership for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Viola Graef
- The MHPSS Collaborative, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Anthony Costello
- Institute for Global Health, University College London, United Kingdom
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29
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Pfister TA, Rimm-Kaufman SE, Merritt EG, Konold TR. Empowering community-changers: Developing civic efficacy in elementary classrooms. APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL SCIENCE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/10888691.2022.2134132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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30
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Flanagan C, Gallay EE, Pykett A. Civic science: Addressing racial inequalities in environmental and science, technology, engineering, and math education. CHILD DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVES 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/cdep.12467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Constance Flanagan
- School of Human Ecology University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison Wisconsin USA
| | - Erin E. Gallay
- School of Environment for Sustainability University of Michigan Ann Arbor Michigan USA
| | - Alisa Pykett
- University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute University of Wisconsin‐Madison Madison Wisconsin USA
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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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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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33
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Youth, Gender and Climate Resilience: Voices of Adolescent and Young Women in Southern Africa. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14148797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In contrast to the dominant ‘vulnerability narrative’ applied to studies of gender, age, and other intersectional characteristics in determining differentiated impacts of climate change, there is growing attention to the agency and voices of young people in the context of their development futures in a changing climate. This paper draws on Feminist Participatory Action Research undertaken by adolescent girls in Zambia and Zimbabwe. Centred on access to education, the findings prompt a reframing of youth agency and empowerment beyond instrumental concerns to integrate intrinsic factors that include self-fulfilment, recognition from others, status, and self-resilience. The research demonstrates how young people’s enquiry can help to surface the underlying structures of inequality shaping both their gendered experience of climate change and the response options available. Tackling structural issues may be beyond the conventional scope of climate change projects and policy, but gender and youth concerns require more than incremental changes. Rather, harnessing opportunities from low-carbon and climate-resilient futures requires understanding and tackling structural drivers of gender inequality that influence development opportunities for young people.
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Evaluating the Public Climate School—A School-Based Programme to Promote Climate Awareness and Action in Students: Protocol of a Cluster-Controlled Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19138039. [PMID: 35805698 PMCID: PMC9265347 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19138039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: School-based programmes may promote knowledge and skills required to address climate change and better health and well-being in adolescents, yet evidence of their effectiveness is limited. In preparation for evaluating the Public Climate School, a school-based intervention to promote climate awareness and action in adolescents, we conduct a pilot study intended to assess procedures for participant recruitment, retention, and data collection, data quality issues and to provide preliminary parameter estimates to guide sample size calculations. Methods and analysis: This unblinded, cluster-controlled pilot study targets students in twelve classes from grades seven to thirteen in German public schools. Seven and five classes were allocated to the intervention and waitlist control arms, respectively. The intervention consisted of (1) live lessons on YouTube, (2) climate-related challenges of the day, (3) workshops and (4) peer exchange sessions. Waitlist control classes participated three weeks later. Measures included the proportion of students completing baseline and follow-up surveys, a comparison of baseline characteristics between students in the retained subsample and those lost to follow-up, proportions of students completing online and paper–pencil-based surveys and problems during data collection based on information reported by teachers. Data quality was assessed as proportions of missing data, associations between missingness and sociodemographic measures using logistic regression models and basic psychometric properties of scales including ceiling effects and internal consistency. Intentions to reduce one’s ecological footprint, the primary outcome, and all secondary outcomes for effect estimation were assessed one week pre- and post-intervention from November to December 2021 using items adapted from internationally used instruments and will be investigated using generalised linear mixed models and intention-to-treat analyses. Conclusions: The pilot study will lay the methodological groundwork for a large-scale cluster-randomised effectiveness and process evaluation of the Public Climate School. If proven effective and rolled out more broadly, the Public Climate School has the potential to contribute meaningfully to national climate mitigation and adaptation efforts by reaching a substantial share of adolescents in public schools, including those traditionally less involved in climate action.
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35
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Smart Mobility in a Smart City in the Context of Generation Z Sustainability, Use of ICT, and Participation. ENERGIES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/en15134651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Smart sustainable cities represent a great challenge for the modern world. Generation Z (Gen Z), whose representatives are now entering adult life, will play a key role in the implementation of this concept. The purpose of this study is to investigate the nature of the relationship between the evaluation of smart mobility’s importance for a smart city and the attitudes and behaviours of Generation Z members in the context of sustainability, use of ICT, and their declarative and actual participation in smart city activities. The diagnostic survey method was used to achieve the research objective. The authors designed the questionnaire based on a literature analysis. The research sample consisted of 484 representatives of Generation Z—students of universities located in a smart city, Lublin (Poland). The collected data was statistically analysed using the following methods and statistical tests: Cronbach’s alpha, Pearson’s chi-square test for independence, symmetric measures: Cramer’s V, and the contingency coefficient. The analysis of the obtained research results confirms that the conscious approach of Generation Z to sustainability has a significant and positive impact on their evaluation of actions taken in the field of smart mobility for a smart city. A similar relationship was confirmed with regard to the relationship between ICT use and smart mobility evaluation. The significant and positive impact of young people’s participation in smart cities on their evaluation of smart mobility solutions’ importance was not fully and unequivocally confirmed. In conclusion, the Generation Z representatives’ awareness of the importance of sustainability and caring for the natural environment was confirmed by their desire to be pro-ecological in the areas of smart mobility studied in the paper. Moreover, young people who constantly use the latest technologies see their huge potential for the development of smart mobility in cities. However, despite the growing expectations of citizens’ active attitudes and their increasing participation in smart mobility development, it seems that the representatives of Generation Z are not really interested in it. Their declarations of willingness to join various opinion-forming and decision making processes do not actually transform them into active co-creators of smart mobility solutions. Changing this approach can be an educational, organisational and technological challenge for smart city authorities. The obtained research results could be used as guidelines for facilitating the search for innovative solutions in the area of smart mobility, improving the quality of life of smart city residents based on the principle of sustainable development.
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36
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Gnanavel S. Eco-crisis and mental health of children and young people: Do child mental health professionals have a role? World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:668-672. [PMID: 35663294 PMCID: PMC9150035 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i5.668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Child mental health professionals have an extremely important role to play in their distinct roles as clinicians, therapists, researchers, policy makers, advocates, preventative public health professionals and service developers pertaining to eco-crisis in the child and adolescent populations. This article provides examples of how this can be done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sundar Gnanavel
- Department of Child Psychiatry, CNTW NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle NE33XT, United Kingdom
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37
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Climate Change Education Challenges from Two Different Perspectives of Change Agents: Perceptions of School Students and Pre-Service Teachers. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14106081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Climate change education (CCE) can play an essential role in pushing forward a climate-just transition. However, educational institutions seem to be challenged to equip students and their prospective teachers with what is necessary for them to become multipliers for climate action. This study aims to provide actionable insights on how to harness the untapped potential of CCE, overcome obstacles, and draw conclusions on which adaptations are necessary to improve current CCE settings. We conducted a qualitative questionnaire study using the example of 80 secondary school students (grade 12) and 18 pre-service teachers (PSTs). The results indicated that both cohorts feel inadequately prepared for their role as possible “change agents”, stating that climate change as a topic is given too little time, engagement with practical examples on taking climate action is inadequate, and a superficial examination of the topic takes place. Students as well as PSTs as change agents are not sufficiently supported by educational institutions to exercise their transformative potential due to numerous identified challenges that have to be confronted at a systemic level. Results indicate that especially teacher training programs need to increasingly focus on the professional development of educators in this field.
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Gunasiri H, Wang Y, Watkins EM, Capetola T, Henderson-Wilson C, Patrick R. Hope, Coping and Eco-Anxiety: Young People's Mental Health in a Climate-Impacted Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095528. [PMID: 35564923 PMCID: PMC9105994 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: In Australia, young people are one of the most vulnerable populations to the mental health impacts of climate change. The aim of this article was to explore mental health promotion issues related to climate change for young people in Australia. (2) Methods: An exploratory mixed-method approach, co-led by young people, was used to engage young people living in Australia aged 18-24 years in semi-structured interviews (N = 14) and an online survey (N = 46). Data were analysed thematically and with descriptive statistics. (3) Results: Findings indicated that negative impacts included worry, eco-anxiety, stress, hopelessness/powerlessness and feelings of not having a voice. Several mediating factors, in particular social media engagement, highlighted the duality of mental health impacts for young people's mental health. Positive impacts of climate action included feeling optimistic and in control. (4) Conclusions: This exploratory study contributes to an emerging field of public health research on young people's mental health in a climate-impacted Australia. Climate change is a significant concern for young people, and it can negatively affect their mental health. The findings can inform the design of public health interventions that raise awareness of climate change-related mental health issues among young people and promote their participation in nature-based interventions, climate action and empowering social media engagement.
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Ma T, Moore J, Cleary A. Climate change impacts on the mental health and wellbeing of young people: A scoping review of risk and protective factors. Soc Sci Med 2022; 301:114888. [PMID: 35367905 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2022.114888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE The impact of climate change on the mental health of young people is poorly understood. Emerging evidence suggests that exposure to climate change exerts a disproportionate mental health burden on young people. An understanding of the risk factors (RFs) and protective factors (PFs) that affect the likelihood of mental health impacts arising from exposure to climate change is required to support youth wellbeing. AIMS/OBJECTIVES This review scopes the current research on what and how RFs and PFs are related to the mental health impacts of both direct and indirect exposure to climate change for young people. RFs and PFs were reviewed through the lens of ecological system theory. METHODS We conducted systematic searches in four databases: PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and Scopus. Grey literature searches were conducted in ProQuest Dissertations, GreyLit.org, OpenGrey, and relevant organisations' websites. We included 92 empirical studies focused on the RFs and PFs of the mental wellbeing under the impact of climate change of young people (0-24). We extracted data on study characteristics, type of climate change event, mental health outcomes, RFs and PFs, and associated ecological system level. RESULTS The current evidence base focuses predominantly on young people's experience of PTSD (k = 59), depression (k = 26), or anxiety (k = 17) mainly following exposure to singular climate change-related natural disaster events. Only four studies explored the impacts of climate change in general. Majority of the studies investigated RFs and PFs at the individual level and at the micro-system level. CONCLUSIONS Several RFs and PFs were identified, such as coping strategies, family factors (e.g. parenting style), social support, community connection, and cultural identity. Positioning the mental health impacts of singular events within the broader context of ongoing and escalating climate change impacts will better inform the development of interventions that seek to build resilience among young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Ma
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Jane Moore
- Library, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Anne Cleary
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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40
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Education for Environmental Sustainability and the Emotions: Implications for Educational Practice. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14084441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Increasing attention is being paid to the emotions in education and in communication about the climate crisis and other sustainability challenges. This has tended to focus on the relationship between emotions and environmental perceptions and behaviours. In this study, we understand emotions as evaluative feelings which meaningfully connect people and their environment. We draw on data from teachers, teacher educators, and young people (n = 223) to describe educationally-relevant emotions and identify the implications for educational practice. We argue that emotionally-responsive pedagogies are needed to identify responsibilities, develop coping potential, and improve future expectations. These pedagogies must act on the causes and consequences of environmental damage and develop teachers’ and students’ capabilities to take action and ultimately transform emotional appraisals. A more enabling policy environment is needed for teachers to adopt these approaches and empower them to take action relating to climate and ecological crises.
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Martin G, Reilly K, Everitt H, Gilliland JA. Review: The impact of climate change awareness on children's mental well-being and negative emotions - a scoping review. Child Adolesc Ment Health 2022; 27:59-72. [PMID: 34873823 DOI: 10.1111/camh.12525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change is a threat to children's physical health, but there are also implications for mental well-being. Additionally, children may experience negative emotional responses stemming from an overarching awareness of the imminent threats to the planet due to climate change. METHOD Using a scoping review, we examined the impact of climate change awareness on children's mental well-being and negative emotions. Our aim was to identify and describe the existing literature and highlight priorities for future research. Three specific objectives guided the review: (1) to identify and provide an overview of research regarding the impact of climate change awareness on children's mental well-being and negative emotions; (2) to summarize and clarify the terminology related to climate change awareness and children's mental well-being and negative emotions; and (3) to make recommendations for areas of future research. RESULTS Thirty-three articles were included in a narrative synthesis. Many articles were reviews or editorials/commentaries. Of the empirical research, most were from Europe, North America, and Australia. The articles emphasized a large range of negative emotions that children felt about climate change, with anxiety and worry being the most researched and discussed. CONCLUSIONS The research on the impact of awareness of climate change on children's mental well-being and negative emotions is in its early phases. Efforts are needed to advance conceptual clarity and operationalize concepts. Additionally, there is a need for research into the impact of climate change awareness on children's mental well-being and negative emotions among a greater diversity of people and places. Existing studies provide an encouraging basis from which to develop future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Martin
- Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB, Canada.,Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kristen Reilly
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.,Fowler Kennedy Sports Medicine Clinic, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Haley Everitt
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jason A Gilliland
- Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Human Environments Analysis Laboratory, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.,School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
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Ojala M. Commentary: Climate change worry among adolescents-on the importance of going beyond the constructive-unconstructive dichotomy to explore coping efforts-a commentary on Sciberras and Fernando (2021). Child Adolesc Ment Health 2022; 27:89-91. [PMID: 34904352 DOI: 10.1111/camh.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This opinion piece comments on Sciberras and Fernando's (2021) article in which an 8-year longitudinal study is presented. The authors investigate trajectories of climate change worry through adolescence and associations with measures of depression and engagement with news and politics in late adolescence. Their objective is to explore whether climate change worry is a constructive or unconstructive psychological phenomenon. Their conclusion is that it is mainly an adaptive response but, for some groups, such as young people with pre-existing mental health problems, climate change worry could exacerbate their difficulties. In this commentary, it is argued that since research has found diverse results regarding whether climate worry is adaptive or not, one should perhaps not focus so much on the emotion itself, but rather on how people cope with their worry. Some examples of how young people cope with climate change are presented, and it is argued that taking account of these coping strategies in future longitudinal studies would be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Ojala
- Center for Environmental and Sustainability Social Science (CESSS), Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
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43
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Spry EA, Letcher P, Patton GC, Sanson AV, Olsson CA. The developmental origins of stress reactivity: an intergenerational life-course perspective. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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44
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Hickman C, Marks E, Pihkala P, Clayton S, Lewandowski RE, Mayall EE, Wray B, Mellor C, van Susteren L. Climate anxiety in children and young people and their beliefs about government responses to climate change: a global survey. Lancet Planet Health 2021; 5:e863-e873. [PMID: 34895496 DOI: 10.1016/s2542-5196(21)00278-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 226] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Climate change has important implications for the health and futures of children and young people, yet they have little power to limit its harm, making them vulnerable to climate anxiety. This is the first large-scale investigation of climate anxiety in children and young people globally and its relationship with perceived government response. METHODS We surveyed 10 000 children and young people (aged 16-25 years) in ten countries (Australia, Brazil, Finland, France, India, Nigeria, Philippines, Portugal, the UK, and the USA; 1000 participants per country). Invitations to complete the survey were sent via the platform Kantar between May 18 and June 7, 2021. Data were collected on participants' thoughts and feelings about climate change, and government responses to climate change. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each aspect of climate anxiety, and Pearson's correlation analysis was done to evaluate whether climate-related distress, functioning, and negative beliefs about climate change were linked to thoughts and feelings about government response. FINDINGS Respondents across all countries were worried about climate change (59% were very or extremely worried and 84% were at least moderately worried). More than 50% reported each of the following emotions: sad, anxious, angry, powerless, helpless, and guilty. More than 45% of respondents said their feelings about climate change negatively affected their daily life and functioning, and many reported a high number of negative thoughts about climate change (eg, 75% said that they think the future is frightening and 83% said that they think people have failed to take care of the planet). Respondents rated governmental responses to climate change negatively and reported greater feelings of betrayal than of reassurance. Climate anxiety and distress were correlated with perceived inadequate government response and associated feelings of betrayal. INTERPRETATION Climate anxiety and dissatisfaction with government responses are widespread in children and young people in countries across the world and impact their daily functioning. A perceived failure by governments to respond to the climate crisis is associated with increased distress. There is an urgent need for further research into the emotional impact of climate change on children and young people and for governments to validate their distress by taking urgent action on climate change. FUNDING AVAAZ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Hickman
- Department of Social & Policy Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, UK.
| | | | - Panu Pihkala
- Faculty of Theology and Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Susan Clayton
- Department of Psychology, The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, USA
| | - R Eric Lewandowski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elouise E Mayall
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Britt Wray
- Stanford University Center for Innovation in Global Health and Stanford and Woods Institute for the Environment, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Centre on Climate Change and Planetary Health, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | | | - Lise van Susteren
- Climate Psychiatry Alliance, Washington, DC, USA; Climate Psychology Alliance, Washington, DC, USA
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45
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Hahn ER. The developmental roots of environmental stewardship: Childhood and the climate change crisis. Curr Opin Psychol 2021; 42:19-24. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2021.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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46
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Pereira T, Freire T. Positive Youth Development in the Context of Climate Change: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2021; 12:786119. [PMID: 34887822 PMCID: PMC8649636 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.786119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change has been acknowledged as one of the most significant current threats for younger generations. However, few studies have focused on climate change impacts on youth and how they can be supported. The purpose of this systematic review is to emphasize that a developmental perspective is fundamental within the interdisciplinary studies concerning climate change. Specifically, we focus our research on how the Positive Youth Development framework may inform future approaches to promote adolescents' and young adults' well-being and engagement in the context of climate change. A systematic review was conducted following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The search comprised two databases, and a total of 13 articles were finally considered eligible for review. Data were analyzed using a narrative method. The results show that the Positive Youth Development theory is not yet directly embedded in existing studies concerning adolescents and young adults in the context of climate change, but some of its principles were identified. Examples are provided of how Positive Youth Development characteristics and constructs can enhance future research, practice, and policies. We highlight this framework as an innovative and promising approach in the context of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa Freire
- Department of Applied Psychology, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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47
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Youth-Led Climate Change Action: Multi-Level Effects on Children, Families, and Communities. SUSTAINABILITY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/su132212355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Empirical studies of children’s climate change action are rare, especially beyond the formal classroom and among pre-teen youth. This mixed-methods study examined the multi-level impacts of climate action by ten- to twelve-year-olds following an after-school program that used participatory methods to encourage children’s action at household and community levels. Through surveys and focus groups, children reported engaging in a variety of climate-protective actions to reduce their energy use and waste, with some children becoming more physically active as they left behind electronics to play outdoors. Children also provided abundant examples of sharing their climate change knowledge and inspiring action among family and friends, as well as being influential in school and community settings. Findings of the present study shed light on the importance of action opportunities in climate change educational settings, not only for children’s mental and physical health, but for its transformative potential through children’s intra- and intergenerational influence.
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48
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Godden NJ, Farrant BM, Yallup Farrant J, Heyink E, Carot Collins E, Burgemeister B, Tabeshfar M, Barrow J, West M, Kieft J, Rothwell M, Leviston Z, Bailey S, Blaise M, Cooper T. Climate change, activism, and supporting the mental health of children and young people: Perspectives from Western Australia. J Paediatr Child Health 2021; 57:1759-1764. [PMID: 34792244 PMCID: PMC9299447 DOI: 10.1111/jpc.15649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The climate crisis has detrimental impacts on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. Psychological effects include feelings of fear, overwhelm, worry, distress, hopelessness and anger; PTSD; depression; anxiety; phobias; panic disorder; sleep disturbances; attachment disorders; learning difficulties; substance abuse; shock and trauma symptoms; adjustment problems; behavioural problems; and, suicidal thinking. First Nations' children and young people are particularly at risk due to loss of place, identity, culture, land and customs informed by kinship relationships with the Earth; while sustainable land use practices and connection to Country and community can enhance climate resilience. In Western Australia (WA), some young people engage in climate activism - including striking from school - to demand government action to address the causes of climate change, including colonisation and capitalism. Climate activism can promote resilience, particularly when children and young people can emotionally engage in the climate crisis; when mental health is systemically supported; when climate communication is transparent and comprehensive; and, when activism is informed by the knowledges and wisdoms of First Nations peoples and grounded on Country. This article is co-authored by WA young people, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal academics, activists and practitioners engaged in youth, mental health and climate justice spaces. We argue for structural change to address the causes of the climate crisis, alongside enhanced evidence and approaches to appropriately support the mental health of children and young people. Furthermore, we support the call of Aboriginal peoples to ensure culturally appropriate, place-based responses based in caring for Country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi J Godden
- Ce ntre for People, Place and PlanetEd ith Cowan UniversityBunburyWestern AustraliaAustralia,Department of Social WorkMonash UniversityCaulfield EastVictoriaAustralia
| | - Brad M Farrant
- Telethon Kids InstituteThe University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | | | - Emma Heyink
- WA Youth Climate ActivistMargaret RiverWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | | | | | - Mena Tabeshfar
- School Strike for Climate ActivistPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | | | - Mara West
- Telethon Kids InstituteThe University of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Jasmine Kieft
- Climate Justice UnionPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Mason Rothwell
- Youth Affairs Council of Western AustraliaPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Zoe Leviston
- Research School of PsychologyAustralian National UniversityCanberraAustralian Capital TerritoryAustralia
| | - Susan Bailey
- School of Arts and HumanitiesEdith Cowan UniversityBunburyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Mindy Blaise
- Cen tre for People, Place and PlanetE dith Cowan UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Trudi Cooper
- School of Arts and HumanitiesEdith Cowan UniversityPerthWestern AustraliaAustralia
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49
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Vergunst F, Berry HL. Climate Change and Children’s Mental Health: A Developmental Perspective. Clin Psychol Sci 2021; 10:767-785. [PMID: 35846172 PMCID: PMC9280699 DOI: 10.1177/21677026211040787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Climate change is a major global public-health challenge that will have wide-ranging impacts on human psychological health and well-being. Children and adolescents are at particular risk because of their rapidly developing brain, vulnerability to disease, and limited capacity to avoid or adapt to threats and impacts. They are also more likely to worry about climate change than any other age group. Drawing on a developmental life-course perspective, we show that climate-change-related threats can additively, interactively, and cumulatively increase psychopathology risk from conception onward; that these effects are already occurring; and that they constitute an important threat to healthy human development worldwide. We then argue that monitoring, measuring, and mitigating these risks is a matter of social justice and a crucial long-term investment in developmental and mental health sciences. We conclude with a discussion of conceptual and measurement challenges and outline research priorities going forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Vergunst
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Montreal
- Ste-Justine University Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Helen L. Berry
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University
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50
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Sanson A, Bellemo M. Children and youth in the climate crisis. BJPsych Bull 2021; 45:205-209. [PMID: 33879278 PMCID: PMC8499628 DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2021.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This editorial is co-written by a developmental psychologist and a young climate activist. We start by showing how the climate crisis is imposing a heavy psychological burden on children and youth, both from experiencing climate-related disasters and from the knowledge that worse is to come. We then describe the global movement of youth demanding urgent climate action. We conclude that health professionals can support young people in many ways, but particularly by supporting their capacity to take action, raising awareness about the impact of the climate crisis on youth mental and physical health, and taking action themselves to work for a secure climate future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Sanson
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Australia
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