Empirical evidence for climate concerns, negative emotions and climate‐related mental ill‐health in young people: A scoping review

Reem Ramadan; Alicia Randell; Suzie Lavoie; Caroline X. Gao; Paula Cruz Manrique; Rebekah Anderson; Caitlin McDowell; Isabel Zbukvic

doi:10.1111/eip.13374

journal article Open Access Jan 15, 2023

Empirical evidence for climate concerns, negative emotions and climate‐related mental ill‐health in young people: A scoping review

Reem Ramadan Alicia Randell Suzie Lavoie

Caroline X. Gao

Paula Cruz Manrique Rebekah Anderson Caitlin McDowell Isabel Zbukvic

Early Intervention in Psychiatry Vol. 17 No. 6 pp. 537-563 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1111/eip.13374

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundClimate change represents a serious threat to human health, including mental health, due to both the traumatizing effects of extreme climate events and the psychological effect of worry about climate change. Objectives: This scoping review aims to search the literature for original research investigating mental health and climate‐related negative emotions in young people. Findings will help to understand the current landscape, gaps in the literature, and provide recommendations for future youth mental health research and practice.MethodsA scoping review of the literature examining negative emotions associated with climate change in young people was undertaken. Studies published prior to March 2022 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.ResultsOf 3939 articles screened, 26 met the inclusion criteria. Together, studies show that young people are worried about climate change. Negative emotions about climate change were correlated with symptoms of mental ill‐health. Studies also explored coping strategies young people use to manage their distress caused by climate change.DiscussionThe limited literature in this area indicates a key gap in youth mental health research. While available evidence suggests that young people are concerned about climate change, more research is needed on the relationship between climate‐related negative emotions and mental ill‐health. Clinicians should assess for and address climate‐related negative emotions in young people. Mental health leaders are urged to advocate for actions to mitigate the mental health impact of climate change.

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Details

Published: Jan 15, 2023
Vol/Issue: 17(6)
Pages: 537-563
License: View

Authors

R

Reem Ramadan

Orygen Parkville Victoria Australia; Orygen, North Western Mental Health, Melbourne Health Parkville Victoria Australia

A

Alicia Randell

Orygen Parkville Victoria Australia; Headspace National Youth Mental Health Foundation Melbourne Victoria Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia

S

Suzie Lavoie

Orygen Parkville Victoria Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia

C

Caroline X. Gao

Orygen Parkville Victoria Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia; Public Health and Preventive Medicine Monash University Melbourne Victoria Australia

P

Paula Cruz Manrique

Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia

R

Rebekah Anderson

Orygen Parkville Victoria Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia

C

Caitlin McDowell

Orygen Parkville Victoria Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia

I

Isabel Zbukvic

Orygen Parkville Victoria Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne Parkville Victoria Australia

Cite This Article

Reem Ramadan, Alicia Randell, Suzie Lavoie, et al. (2023). Empirical evidence for climate concerns, negative emotions and climate‐related mental ill‐health in young people: A scoping review. Early Intervention in Psychiatry, 17(6), 537-563. https://doi.org/10.1111/eip.13374

Empirical evidence for climate concerns, negative emotions and climate‐related mental ill‐health in young people: A scoping review

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