RESEARCH

Climate Change Perception and Mental Health: Results from a Systematic Review of the Literature

This systematic review found a consistent association between increased climate change awareness and negative mental health outcomes like depression and anxiety, highlighting the need for public health strategies that address both climate change and mental well-being. The psychological distress related to climate change perception might be linked to concerns about the future and the loss of the environment.
Program Types: Therapeutic
Population Groups: General Population
Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health
Allied Profession Intersections: Climate Psychology/Psychotherapy
Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews, Qualitative Research
Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health
Access: Free
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Summary

This study looked at the existing research on how people’s awareness or perception of climate change affects their mental health. The researchers analyzed ten studies that investigated the connection between climate change awareness and various mental health outcomes like depression, anxiety, stress, and even thoughts of suicide. They found that a higher level of awareness about climate change was consistently linked to negative mental health effects. This suggests that simply being more aware of climate change can contribute to mental health issues. The researchers point out that understanding this relationship is important for creating policies that address both climate change and mental well-being.

The review highlights the different ways climate change awareness can impact mental health, including feelings of loss, helplessness, and worry about the future. While the studies varied in how they measured climate change awareness and mental health, the overall trend was clear: increased awareness is associated with poorer mental health. The authors suggest that public health programs should provide support and coping strategies to help people deal with climate change-related distress. They also call for more research to better understand this complex relationship and develop effective interventions.

Link

Gianfredi, V., Mazziotta, F., Clerici, G., Astorri, E., Oliani, F., Cappellina, M., Catalini, A., Dell’Osso, B. M., Pregliasco, F. E., Castaldi, S., & Benatti, B. (2024). Climate Change Perception and Mental Health. Results from a Systematic Review of the Literature. European Journal of Investigation in Health, Psychology and Education, 14(1), 215–229

 

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