Understanding youths’ concerns about climate change: a binational qualitative study of ecological burden and resilience

Abstract

Background Climate change has been shown to have long-term effects on mental health, yet, to date, there have been few studies on how children and adolescents experience and respond to ecological changes and how and why they engage in climate action. We explored empirically young people’s views about climate change and how distinct cultural contexts influence individual climate action. Methods We invited children and adolescents (ages 7 to 18) and their caregivers from the general population in the United States and France to participate in semi-structured focus groups. We recruited 74 participants, 39 in the U.S. (33 children and adolescents, 6 parents) and 35 in France (32 children and adolescents, 3 parents). Focus groups with participants centered on their emotions, beliefs, and actions around climate change. We analyzed the focus group data and developed themes via grounded theory and symbolic interactionist approaches. Results Many participants described experiencing anger, hopelessness, guilt, and sadness in response to climate change, and a smaller number endorsed significant anxiety symptoms; many described frustration about needing to fix the mistakes of earlier generations. Younger participants frequently misunderstood the purpose of their parents’ eco-conscious behaviors unless they were provided with age-appropriate explanations. Participants described a spectrum of experiences when trying to discuss climate change with peers and family, ranging from genuine support to apathy to hostility. Between the two samples, U.S. participants experienced more conflict with adults about climate change than French participants, but French participants described a greater lack of political agency compared to U.S. participants. Participants in both samples expressed a relatively balanced view of climate action, recognizing the significance of individual actions while acknowledging the limits of their power in the face of systemic issues. Some found hope and empowerment through climate action and building communities around it. Conclusion Discussing with children and adolescents what adults are doing to mitigate climate change can provide reassurance, model prosocial behaviors, and inspire their own investment in climate action. Adults seeking to support the psychological well-being of young people should both support their concerns and actions around climate change and create avenues for young people to meaningfully engage in climate action.

Pathways and identity: toward qualitative research careers in child and adolescent psychiatry

“…In this way, our effort has resulted in a virtual cycle of qualitative development. [44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52] We hope others will join us and create their own CoPs to support quality growth in CAP.…”

The effects of climate change awareness on mental health: Comparison of climate anxiety and hopelessness levels in Turkish youth

“…In a study by Thomas et al (2022), participants who considered themselves activists seemed to be more prone to describing symptoms of anxiety, often after a turning point when they suddenly became aware of the climate crisis. Younger participants reported that they first encountered climate change information through online content, which sometimes increased their fears and sometimes soothed them (Thomas et al, 2022). Additionally Kelly (2017) concluded that those enrolled in environmental courses reported higher levels of anxiety and stress than those who did not attend, implying that awareness and knowledge of the environment contributed to their negative emotional state and distress.…”

“…For example, a global survey on climate anxiety among young individuals revealed higher levels of anxiety, negative emotions and future concerns than the countries already experiencing the effects of climate crisis (Hickman et al, 2021). In a study by Thomas et al (2022), participants who considered themselves activists seemed to be more prone to describing symptoms of anxiety, often after a turning point when they suddenly became aware of the climate crisis. Younger participants reported that they first encountered climate change information through online content, which sometimes increased their fears and sometimes soothed them (Thomas et al, 2022).…”

Addressing the Increasing Mental Health Distress and Mental Illness Among Young Adults in the United States

“…Studies have demonstrated associations between rising temperatures and poor mental health outcomes, including suicide, hospital admission for mental health symptoms, and self-reported psychological distress (Lawrance et al, 2022). Beyond these disrupting events that compound negative social determinants of health, young people may have strong concerns about climate change, or “climate anxiety,” which includes an array of experiences or mental health symptoms (Thomas et al, 2022). In a 10-country survey of 10,000 youth and young adults, 84% of surveyed young people reported they were moderately, very, or extremely worried about climate change (Hickman et al, 2021).…”