Global priorities for climate change and mental health research

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Naseem Dillman-Hasso

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Mental Health ◽

Health Research ◽

Well Being ◽

Mental Health Research ◽

Future Research ◽

Mental Health Benefits ◽

C 32 ◽

Health And Well Being ◽

Impacts Of Climate Change

AbstractThe connections between climate change and mental health are well known (Berry et al., Int J Publ Health 55(2):123–132, 2010; Clayton and Manning 2018; Kim et al., J Environ Sci Health C 32(3):299–318, 2014). Research also points to the positive impacts of nature on mental health, well-being, and attention (Capaldi et al., Int J Wellbeing 5(4):1–16, 2015; Kaplan and Kaplan 1989; Tillmann et al., J Epidemiol Community Health 72(10):958–966, 2018). However, no empirical research has examined how degradation of nature as a result of climate change can impact the mental health benefits that nature provides. This paper first reviews the existing research on the negative mental health consequences of climate change and the benefits of nature exposure for stress, mental health, and well-being. The connection between these two lines of research is examined in order to fully understand the impacts of climate change on mental health. Suggestions for future research are included.

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Understanding the evidence for climate concerns, negative emotions and climate-related mental ill-health in young people: a scoping review

10.1101/2021.09.27.21264151 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Reem Ramadan ◽

Alicia Randell ◽

Suzie Lavoie ◽

Caroline X Gao ◽

Paula Cruz Manrique ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Mental Health ◽

Young People ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Health Research ◽

Negative Emotions ◽

Youth Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Research ◽

Original Research ◽

Climate Action

ABSTRACTBackgroundHuman-induced climate change represents a serious threat to human health, including mental health, due to both the traumatising effects of extreme climate events and the psychological effect of worry about climate change. The present scoping review aims to systematically search and synthesise original research related to mental health and climate related concerns, negative emotions and mental ill-health in young people. Findings will help to understand the current landscape, gaps in the literature, and to provide recommendations for future youth mental health research and practice.MethodsA systematic search and narrative synthesis of the literature published prior to October 2020 examining negative emotions associated with climate change in young people was undertaken. Studies were included if they examined mental ill-health (e.g. symptoms of depression or anxiety) or negative emotions (e.g. distress, worry, concern) associated with the threat of climate change.FindingsOf the 3329 peer-reviewed articles screened, 12 met the inclusion criteria. Together, included studies show that young people are worried about climate change. Studies also explored the coping strategies young people use to manage their distress caused by climate change.InterpretationsThe limited literature in this area indicates a key gap in youth mental health research. Available evidence suggests that young people are concerned about climate change, which may increase risk of mental ill-health. Thus, clinicians should assess for and address climate anxiety in young people. Mental health leaders are urged to advocate for urgent climate action to mitigate the effects of climate anxiety in young people.Fundingthis project was not funded.

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The nature buffer: The missing link in climate change and mental health research

10.31234/osf.io/qdfte ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Naseem Dillman-Hasso

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Mental Health ◽

Empirical Research ◽

Health Research ◽

Well Being ◽

Mental Health Research ◽

Future Research ◽

Mental Health Benefits ◽

Health And Well Being ◽

Impacts Of Climate Change

The connections between climate change and mental health are well known (Berry et al., 2010; Clayton and Manning 2018; Kim et al., 2014). Research also points to the positive impacts of nature on mental health, well-being, and attention (Capaldi et al., 2015; Kaplan and Kaplan 1989; Tillmann et al., 2018). However, no empirical research has examined how degradation of nature as a result of climate change can impact the mental health benefits that nature provides. This paper first reviews the existing research on the negative mental health consequences of climate change and the benefits of nature exposure for stress, mental health, and well-being. The connection between these two lines of research is examined in order to fully understand the impacts of climate change on mental health. Suggestions for future research are included.

Download Full-text