RESEARCH

Treating Youth with Eco-Anxiety: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Model

This study highlights that eco-anxiety can be both a source of distress and a motivator for pro-environmental actions, emphasizing the potential for individuals to transform their anxiety into positive change. By fostering eco-hope through active engagement with environmental issues, individuals can build resilience and contribute to a more sustainable future, offering a promising strategy for managing the mental health impacts of climate change.
Program Types: Therapeutic
Population Groups: Children/Youth, Mental Health Challenges/Trauma
Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Improved Stress Management
Allied Profession Intersections: Climate Psychology/Psychotherapy
Type of Activity: Mindfulness/Visualizations
Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Meta-Analyses/Systematic Reviews
Access: Free
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Summary

This thesis explores the growing concern of eco-anxiety, which is anxiety caused by worries about climate change and its impacts on the environment. Eco-anxiety is not just a personal issue but also a collective concern that affects communities worldwide. It is driven by both direct experiences of climate-related events and the broader awareness of environmental threats. The study highlights that while eco-anxiety can be overwhelming, it can also serve as a catalyst for positive change by motivating individuals to engage in pro-environmental behaviors.

The paper suggests that transitioning from eco-anxiety to eco-hope can be a key strategy for building resilience. Eco-hope involves fostering a sense of optimism and empowerment by taking action to address environmental challenges. This approach emphasizes the importance of recognizing the emotional impact of climate change on mental health and using these emotions as a driving force for change. By focusing on actions that individuals can take, such as reducing waste or conserving energy, people can feel more in control and hopeful about the future. This mindset shift can help mitigate the negative effects of eco-anxiety and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.

Link

Motisi, M. (2022). Treating youth with eco-anxiety: An acceptance and commitment therapy model (Order No. 29212380). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global; ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global Closed Collection. (2680315956).

 

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