RESEARCH
How Children Make Sense of Climate Change: A Descriptive Qualitative Study of Eco-Anxiety in Parent-Child Dyads
Summary
The study investigates eco-anxiety in children, a growing concern as young people become increasingly aware of climate change and its implications. Through semi-structured interviews with children and surveys with their parents, researchers identified three key themes: how children understand climate change, their emotional responses (including anxiety, sadness, and fear), and their coping mechanisms. The findings suggest that children process climate-related information in varied ways, with some feeling empowered to act while others experience distress. Additionally, children whose parents were aware of their concerns tended to adopt more adaptive coping strategies, such as discussing their feelings or taking small, proactive steps toward environmental action.
This research fills a gap in understanding the emotional impact of climate change on younger children, emphasizing the importance of parental support in mitigating eco-anxiety. While some level of worry can motivate action, excessive distress may lead to feelings of helplessness. The study highlights the need for more resources and conversations to help children navigate eco-anxiety in a healthy way. Ultimately, the findings contribute to broader discussions on youth mental health in the face of climate challenges, suggesting that supportive environments can play a crucial role in fostering resilience.
