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Review
. 2023 Aug;25(8):357-363.
doi: 10.1007/s11920-023-01430-y. Epub 2023 Jun 24.

Child and Adolescent Psychological Reactions to Climate Change: A Narrative Review Through an Existential Lens

Matthew Treble  1 , Alina Cosma  2 , Gina Martin  3
Affiliations
Review

Child and Adolescent Psychological Reactions to Climate Change: A Narrative Review Through an Existential Lens

Matthew Treble et al. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2023 Aug.

Abstract

Purpose of review: A narrative review was conducted on research surrounding children's and adolescents' experiences of emotional and mental health and wellbeing in relation to climate change; we also explored potential connections to existential themes.

Recent findings: Children and adolescents represent a vulnerable group in relation to experiencing negative mental health impacts due to climate change. Further, this population experiences a wide range of emotions in relation to climate change, with most research reporting on worry and anxiety. Several studies that explored associations between such emotions and mental health outcomes found positive associations. Additionally, research suggests that there is an existential underpinning to how climate change is experienced by children and adolescents. Although important contributions have been made in recent years, knowledge gaps remain. An understanding of the psychological responses children and adolescents have in relation to climate change is needed to inform practice and policy. This may be supported by an existential framework.

Keywords: Anxiety; Climate change; Eco-anxiety; Emotions; Existential; Mental health; Worry.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: •• Of major importance
    1. Pörtner HO. Climate change 2022: impacts, adaptation and vulnerability: Working Group II Contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press; 2022.
    1. Burke SE, Sanson AV, Van Hoorn J. The psychological effects of climate change on children. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2018;20:1–8. - DOI
    1. Hayes K, Blashki G, Wiseman J, Burke S, Reifels L. Climate change and mental health: risks, impacts and priority actions. Int J Ment Health Syst. 2018;12(1):1–12. - DOI
    1. McGushin A, Gasparri G, Graef V, Ngendahayo C, Timilsina S, Bustreo F, et al. Adolescent wellbeing and climate crisis: adolescents are responding, what about health professionals? bmj. 2022;379.
    1. van Nieuwenhuizen A, Hudson K, Chen X, Hwong AR. The effects of climate change on child and adolescent mental health: clinical considerations. Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2021;23:1–9.

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