1
|
Christodoulou N, Laaidi K, Geoffroy PA. Eco-anxiety: Towards a medical model and the new framework of ecolalgia. Bipolar Disord 2024. [PMID: 38740550 DOI: 10.1111/bdi.13446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the context of global warming, new terms emerged in the global media and in the psychology field to embody the negative feelings which come along with climate change such as 'eco-anxiety' or 'solastalgia'. The pathological character of these emotions is denied although medical opinion is often required for helping people to handle them. Also, no proper medical framework in the field exists to study and care for these patients. METHODS In this narrative review, we aim to (1) analyse the concept of eco-anxiety by focusing on its history and developed concepts, (2) summarize the different scales built to assess eco-anxiety and (3) propose a new medical framework. RESULTS We came out with a framework based on the transformation of a physiological adaptative behaviour the 'eco-distress'. It is composed of three dimensions: eco-anger, eco-grief and eco-worry, it is not debilitating in daily life and promotes coping strategies such as management of negative emotions and pro-environmental behaviours (PEB). It can transform itself into a pathological state, the 'ecolalgia', composed of two core dimensions: eco-anxiety and eco-depression, leading to functional impairment and decrease in PEB. If ecolalgia maintains over 15 days, we propose to consider it as a full psychiatric disorder needing medical advice. CONCLUSION This new framework enables a novel approach that is necessary for the improved management of mental health issues related to climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nausicaa Christodoulou
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Département de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, AP-HP, GHU Paris Nord, DMU Neurosciences, Hopital Bichat - Claude Bernard, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, Paris, France
| | - Karine Laaidi
- Santé publique France, Direction Santé, Environnement, Travail, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Pierre A Geoffroy
- Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, Paris, France
- Santé publique France, Direction Santé, Environnement, Travail, Saint-Maurice, France
- GHU Paris - Psychiatry & Neurosciences, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Christensen BK, Monaghan C, Stanley SK, Walker I, Leviston Z, Macleod E, Rodney RM, Greenwood LM, Heffernan T, Evans O, Sutherland S, Reynolds J, Calear AL, Kurz T, Lane J. The Brief Solastalgia Scale: A Psychometric Evaluation and Revision. ECOHEALTH 2024; 21:83-93. [PMID: 38441851 PMCID: PMC11127848 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-024-01673-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Witnessing degradation and loss to one's home environment can cause the negative emotional experience of solastalgia. We review the psychometric properties of the 9-item Solastalgia subscale from the Environmental Distress Scale (Higginbotham et al. (EcoHealth 3:245-254, 2006)). Using data collected from three large, independent, adult samples (N = 4229), who were surveyed soon after the 2019/20 Australian bushfires, factor analyses confirmed the scale's unidimensionality, while analyses derived from Item Response Theory highlighted the poor psychometric performance and redundant content of specific items. Consequently, we recommend a short-form scale consisting of five items. This Brief Solastalgia Scale (BSS) yielded excellent model fit and internal consistency in both the initial and cross-validation samples. The BSS and its parent version provide very similar patterns of associations with demographic, health, life satisfaction, climate emotion, and nature connectedness variables. Finally, multi-group confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated comparable construct architecture (i.e. configural, metric, and scalar invariance) across validation samples, gender categories, and age. As individuals and communities increasingly confront and cope with climate change and its consequences, understanding related emotional impacts is crucial. The BSS promises to aid researchers, decision makers, and practitioners to understand and support those affected by negative environmental change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce K Christensen
- School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
| | - Conal Monaghan
- School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Samantha K Stanley
- School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Iain Walker
- School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Zoe Leviston
- School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- School of Arts and Humanities, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Australia
| | - Emily Macleod
- School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Rachael M Rodney
- Centre for Entrepreneurial Agri-Technology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Lisa-Marie Greenwood
- School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Timothy Heffernan
- School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- School of Built Environment, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Olivia Evans
- School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Stewart Sutherland
- School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Julia Reynolds
- School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Alison L Calear
- Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Tim Kurz
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Jo Lane
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cho H, Wang JCK, Kim S, Chiu W. Increasing exercise participation during the COVID-19 pandemic: the buffering role of nostalgia. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1285204. [PMID: 38162976 PMCID: PMC10755474 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1285204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, people faced difficulties engaging in exercise activities as usual. As a result, there has been an increase in the demand for home exercises and online sales. However, there is little research on individuals' buying and exercise behaviors during the pandemic. Thus, this study investigated how the perceived threat of COVID-19 influences exercise participants' compensatory consumption and exercise intention through emotional responses, such as feelings of solastalgia and nostalgia. Methods A total of 488 responses were collected from Generation Y, as individuals belonging to Generation Y are more prone to impulsive buying compared to other generations and, importantly, consider exercise a crucial component of their general well-being. Data were examined using a three-step method that involved the use of SPSS 26.0 and EQS 6.4 software. Results Results showed that perception of COVID-19 positively influenced solastalgia and negatively affected nostalgia. Also, solastalgia had positive effects on nostalgia and online browsing, and nostalgia positively affected online browsing. Finally, this study found that online browsing positively influenced impulse buying and exercise intention, while impulse buying did not significantly affect exercise intention. Conclusion This study contributes to identifying the crucial influence of emotions in decision-making and increasing the understanding of the connection between nostalgia and cognitive and emotional responses amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heetae Cho
- Department of Sport Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - John Chee Keng Wang
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sunghoon Kim
- Department of Physical Education, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Weisheng Chiu
- Lee Shau Kee School of Business and Administration, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gaffney KK, Medcalf S, Duysen E, Wichman C. Rural and Agricultural Natural Disaster Stress and Recovery: A Comparison. J Agromedicine 2023; 28:797-808. [PMID: 37394921 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2023.2230987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
This study used a novel survey instrument to evaluate the hypothesis that U.S. agricultural producers have significantly different stress and recovery experiences following acute-onset natural disaster compared to their non-agricultural counterparts. Participants were recruited through local organizations and targeted email and social media in communities in Arkansas and Nebraska that had experienced violent tornadoes in 2014 and/or severe flooding in 2019. The survey instrument incorporated the Brief Resilience Scale, the Revised Impact of Event Scale referencing two time points, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory-Short Form, and original questions. Demographic, exposure, stress, and recovery measures were analyzed in SAS with Chi-square tests, t-tests, Wilcoxon tests, and multiple linear regression modeling to test for differences between agricultural and non-agricultural groups in resilience, event exposure, stress symptoms in the week after the event, stress symptoms in the month before the survey, a calculated recovery ratio, and posttraumatic growth. Analysis sample (N = 159) contained 20.8% agricultural occupation, 71.1% female, and 49.1% over age 55. No significant differences were found between agricultural and non-agricultural participants when comparing resilience, stress, or recovery ratio measures. Unadjusted posttraumatic growth score was significantly lower in the agriculture group (P = .02), and an occupation group by sex interaction was significantly associated with posttraumatic growth score (P = .02) when controlled for number of initial posttraumatic stress symptoms in the adjusted model, with agricultural women showing lower growth. Overall, there was no evidence of significant difference in disaster stress and recovery between agricultural and rural, non-agricultural groups in this study. There was some evidence that women in agriculture may have lower levels of recovery. Data indicated that rural residents continue to experience posttraumatic-type symptoms up to 8 years beyond the acute-onset natural disaster events. Communities should include strategies to support mental and emotional health in their preparedness, response, and recovery plans with intentional inclusion of agricultural populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristin K Gaffney
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Sharon Medcalf
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Ellen Duysen
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Christopher Wichman
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
ALACA Ç. Solastalgia and Forest Fires. PSIKIYATRIDE GUNCEL YAKLASIMLAR - CURRENT APPROACHES IN PSYCHIATRY 2023. [DOI: 10.18863/pgy.1172916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
One of the important problems created by climate change is forest fires. Forest fires occur due to both natural and anthropogenic causes. Forest fires, which occur with the effects of climate change such as an increase in temperature, drought, heat waves, and climatic conditions, are increasing gradually. Acute and chronic effects caused by forest fires cause significant life changes. As a result of the fire, not only forests are damaged, but also flora, wildlife, water resources, soil, climate, areas used by people for recreational purposes, and settlements near and around forested areas. As a result, changes such as increases in temperature, pollution, epidemics, drought, food shortage, and forest fires, affect mental and physical health. While exposure to forest fires creates a direct traumatic effect; indirectly, it affects mental health for a number of social, political and economic reasons such as poverty, unemployment and housing. Forest fires also create an environmental change. This environmental change creates a sense of loss, the sense of belonging is lost, it cannot connect with the new environment, it becomes difficult to adapt and causes distress.Uncertainty about the future, helplessness, stress, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression are common psychological problems due to climate change. It defines some new mental health concepts as the consequences of climate change affect mental health. "Solastalgia" is one pf these new concepts. Solastalgia is defined as a term that expresses the pain and distress caused by the loss of the thing/things that people find solace and environmental change. Solastalgia is a necessary concept for mental health professionals to understand the links between ecosystem health and human health, especially the cumulative effects of climatic and environmental change on mental, emotional and spiritual health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Çiğdem ALACA
- MUĞLA SITKI KOÇMAN ÜNİVERSİTESİ, FETHİYE SAĞLIK HİZMETLERİ MESLEK YÜKSEKOKULU
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Melton CC, De Fries CM, Smith RM, Mason LR. Wildfires and Older Adults: A Scoping Review of Impacts, Risks, and Interventions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6252. [PMID: 37444100 PMCID: PMC10341407 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is leading to worsening disasters that disproportionately impact older adults. While research has begun to measure disparities, there is a gap in examining wildfire-specific disasters. To address this gap, this scoping review analyzed literature to explore the nexus of wildfires and older adults. We searched peer-reviewed literature using the following inclusion criteria: (1) published in a peer-reviewed journal; (2) available in English; (3) examines at least one topic related to wildfires; and (4) examines how criterion three relates to older adults in at least one way. Authors screened 261 titles and abstracts and 138 were reviewed in full, with 75 articles meeting inclusion criteria. Findings heavily focused on health impacts of wildfires on older adults, particularly of smoke exposure and air quality. While many articles mentioned a need for community-engaged responses that incorporate the needs of older adults, few addressed firsthand experiences of older adults. Other common topics included problems with evacuation, general health impacts, and Indigenous elders' fire knowledge. Further research is needed at the nexus of wildfires and older adults to highlight both vulnerabilities and needs as well as the unique experience and knowledge of older adults to inform wildfire response strategies and tactics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lisa Reyes Mason
- Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO 80210, USA; (C.C.M.); (C.M.D.F.); (R.M.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Miller ME, Nwosu CO, Nyamwanza AM, Jacobs PT. Assessing Psychosocial Health Impacts of Climate Adaptation: A Critical Review. New Solut 2023; 33:37-50. [PMID: 37227805 DOI: 10.1177/10482911231173068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The urgency of dealing with risks associated with climate change and the need for effective response measures to their impacts are increasing daily the world over. Literature abounds regarding the impacts of climate change on physical, psychosocial, and other health outcomes. In contrast, little research exists on the health impacts of response measures to climate change. This critical review seeks to contribute towards closing this gap through a synthesis of current literature on the psychosocial health outcomes of climate adaptation actions. Our results found both positive and negative outcomes associated with psychosocial health that may result from climate adaptation actions. We propose the utilization of well-developed conceptual frameworks and evaluation tools in assessment and analysis of these outcomes. Ultimately, there is need to expand similar and related areas of research more broadly and on psychosocial effects, specifically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary E Miller
- School of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Human Sciences Research Council, Equitable Education and Economies Division, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Chijioke O Nwosu
- Department of Economics and Finance, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Admire M Nyamwanza
- Climate Action and Sustainability Research, Institute of Natural Resources, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Peter T Jacobs
- Human Sciences Research Council, Equitable Education and Economies Division, Cape Town, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Arnout BA. An epidemiological study of mental health problems related to climate change: A procedural framework for mental health system workers. Work 2023:WOR220040. [PMID: 36710698 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Arab region has witnessed different biological hazards, including cholera, yellow fever, and the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, changes in rainfall and increased vegetation cover led to locust outbreaks in Tunisia, Libya, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. This problem still exists and affects more than 20 countries and concerns indicate food shortages and food insecurity for more than 20 million people. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to detect mental health problems related to climate change in the Arab world. METHODS A cross-sectional descriptive survey was applied to determine the prevalence of mental health problems related to climate change (MHPCC). A random sample consisted of 1080 participants (523 male and 557 female), residents in 18 Arab countries; their ages ranged from 25 to 60 years. The Mental Health Problems related to Climate Change Questionnaire (MHPCCQ) was completed online. RESULTS The results indicated average levels of MHPCC prevalence. The results also revealed no significant statistical differences in the MHPCC due to gender, educational class, and marital status except in climate anxiety; there were statistical differences in favor of married subgroup individuals. At the same time, there are statistically significant differences in the MHPCC due to the residing country variable in favor of Syria, Yemen, Algeria, Libya, and Oman regarding fears, anxiety, alienation, and somatic symptoms. In addition, Tunisia, Bahrain, Sudan, and Iraq were higher in climate depression than the other countries. CONCLUSION The findings shed light on the prevalence of MHPCC in the Arab world and oblige mental health system workers, including policymakers, mental health providers, and departments of psychology in Arab universities, to take urgent action to assess and develop the system for mental health to manage the risks of extreme climate change on the human mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Boshra A Arnout
- Department of Psychology, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Psychology, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Apiti A, Tassell-Matamua N, Lindsay N, Dell K, Pomare P, Erueti B, Masters-Awatere B, Te Rangi M. Indigenous Māori of Aotearoa (New Zealand): Environmental Identity, Rather Than Māori Identity Per Se, Has Greatest Influence on Environmental Distress. ECOPSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1089/eco.2022.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Apiti
- Centre for Indigenous Psychologies, School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Natasha Tassell-Matamua
- Centre for Indigenous Psychologies, School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Nicole Lindsay
- Centre for Indigenous Psychologies, School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Kiri Dell
- Graduate School of Management, University of Auckland, Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Pikihuia Pomare
- Centre for Indigenous Psychologies, School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | - Bevan Erueti
- School of Health Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, Aotearoa New Zealand
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Cáceres C, Leiva-Bianchi M, Serrano C, Ormazábal Y, Mena C, Cantillana JC. What Is Solastalgia and How Is It Measured? SOS, a Validated Scale in Population Exposed to Drought and Forest Fires. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13682. [PMID: 36294261 PMCID: PMC9602901 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192013682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Solastalgia is a recent concept that refers to disruptive psychological responses in people exposed to environmental degradation. The aim of this study was to determine the number of dimensions solastalgia has using a sample of people exposed to the effects of climate change in the coastal dry land of Maule region, Chile. In order to achieve this, a Scale Of Solastalgia (SOS) was designed and then validated, by means of applying it to 223 inhabitants at the municipalities of Pencahue (n = 105) and Curepto (n = 118), who were also evaluated by the Short Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Rating Interview (SPRINT-E). Using robust validation methods (Parallel factor analysis and Omega), two dimensions were obtained for solastalgia: solace and algia. Both correlate with the SPRINT-E scale (r = 0.150, p < 0.01 and r = 0.359, p < 0.01, respectively) and have 58% sensitivity and 67% specificity to detect cases of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Like PTSD, solastalgia is related to psychopathologies expected after disasters and also presents a spatial pattern where the concentration of positive cases occurs in places of greater exposure to environmental change or degradation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Cáceres
- Laboratory of Methodology, Behavioral Sciences, and Neurosciences, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Marcelo Leiva-Bianchi
- Laboratory of Methodology, Behavioral Sciences, and Neurosciences, Faculty of Psychology, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Carlos Serrano
- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Autonomous University of Chile, Talca Campus, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Yony Ormazábal
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Carlos Mena
- Faculty of Economics and Business, Universidad de Talca, Talca 3460000, Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Cantillana
- Faculty of Administration and Economics, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lawrance EL, Thompson R, Newberry Le Vay J, Page L, Jennings N. The Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence, and its Implications. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:443-498. [PMID: 36165756 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2128725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Converging global evidence highlights the dire consequences of climate change for human mental health and wellbeing. This paper summarises literature across relevant disciplines to provide a comprehensive narrative review of the multiple pathways through which climate change interacts with mental health and wellbeing. Climate change acts as a risk amplifier by disrupting the conditions known to support good mental health, including socioeconomic, cultural and environmental conditions, and living and working conditions. The disruptive influence of rising global temperatures and extreme weather events, such as experiencing a heatwave or water insecurity, compounds existing stressors experienced by individuals and communities. This has deleterious effects on people's mental health and is particularly acute for those groups already disadvantaged within and across countries. Awareness and experiences of escalating climate threats and climate inaction can generate understandable psychological distress; though strong emotional responses can also motivate climate action. We highlight opportunities to support individuals and communities to cope with and act on climate change. Consideration of the multiple and interconnected pathways of climate impacts and their influence on mental health determinants must inform evidence-based interventions. Appropriate action that centres climate justice can reduce the current and future mental health burden, while simultaneously improving the conditions that nurture wellbeing and equality. The presented evidence adds further weight to the need for decisive climate action by decision makers across all scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Lawrance
- Institute of Global Health Innovation, Imperial College London, UK.,Mental Health Innovations, UK.,Grantham Institute of Climate and the Environment, Imperial College London, UK
| | | | | | - Lisa Page
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, UK
| | - Neil Jennings
- Grantham Institute of Climate and the Environment, Imperial College London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Krüger T, Kraus T, Kaifie A. A Changing Home: A Cross-Sectional Study on Environmental Degradation, Resettlement and Psychological Distress in a Western German Coal-Mining Region. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127143. [PMID: 35742391 PMCID: PMC9223024 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Unwelcome environmental changes can lead to psychological distress, known as “solastalgia”. In Germany, the open-pit mining of brown coal results in environmental changes as well as in the resettlement of adjacent villages. In this study, we investigated the risk of open-pit mining for solastalgia and psychological disorders (e.g., depression, generalized anxiety and somatization) in local communities. The current residents and resettlers from two German open-pit mines were surveyed concerning environmental stressors, place attachment, impacts and mental health status. In total, 620 people responded, including 181 resettlers, 114 people from villages threatened by resettlement and 325 people from non-threatened villages near an open-pit mine. All groups self-reported high levels of psychological distress, approximately ranging between 2−7.5 times above the population average. Respondents from resettlement-threatened villages showed the worst mental health status, with 52.7% indicating at least moderate somatization levels (score sum > 9), compared to 28% among resettlers. We observed a mean PHQ depression score of 7.9 (SD 5.9) for people from resettlement-threatened villages, 7.4 (SD 6.0) for people from not-threatened villages, compared to 5.0 (SD 6.5) for already resettled people (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the degradation and loss of the home environment caused by open-pit mining was associated with an increased prevalence of depressive, anxious and somatoform symptoms in local communities. This reveals a need for further in-depth research, targeted psychosocial support and improved policy frameworks, in favor of residents’ and resettlers’ mental health.
Collapse
|
13
|
Schwartz SEO, Benoit L, Clayton S, Parnes MF, Swenson L, Lowe SR. Climate change anxiety and mental health: Environmental activism as buffer. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-14. [PMID: 35250241 PMCID: PMC8883014 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-02735-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of research has documented the phenomenon of climate change anxiety (CCA), defined broadly as negative cognitive, emotional, and behavioral responses associated with concerns about climate change. A recently validated scale of CCA indicated two subscales: cognitive emotional impairment and functional impairment (Clayton & Karazsia, 2020). However, there are few empirical studies on CCA to date and little evidence regarding whether CCA is associated with psychiatric symptoms, including symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and whether engaging in individual and collective action to address climate change could buffer such relationships. This mixed methods study draws on data collected from a sample of emerging adult students (ages 18-35) in the United States (N = 284) to address these gaps. Results indicated that both CCA subscales were significantly associated with GAD symptoms, while only the Functional Impairment subscale was associated with higher MDD symptoms. Moreover, engaging in collective action, but not individual action, significantly attenuated the association between CCA cognitive emotional impairment and MDD symptoms. Responses to open-ended questions asking about participants' worries and actions related to climate change indicated the severity of their worries and, for some, a perception of the insignificance of their actions relative to the enormity of climate change. These results further the field's understanding of CCA, both in general and specifically among emerging adults, and suggest the importance of creating opportunities for collective action to build sense of agency in addressing climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Laelia Benoit
- Child Study Center, QUALab, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
- Inserm U1018, CESP, Team DevPsy, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Maison de Solenn, Hospital Cochin AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Susan Clayton
- Department of Psychology, College of Wooster, Wooster, OH USA
| | | | - Lance Swenson
- Department of Psychology, Suffolk University, Boston, MA USA
| | - Sarah R. Lowe
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Crandall T, Jones E, Greenhalgh M, Frei RJ, Griffin N, Severe E, Maxwell J, Patch L, St. Clair SI, Bratsman S, Merritt M, Norris AJ, Carling GT, Hansen N, St. Clair SB, Abbott BW. Megafire affects stream sediment flux and dissolved organic matter reactivity, but land use dominates nutrient dynamics in semiarid watersheds. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257733. [PMID: 34555099 PMCID: PMC8460006 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change is causing larger wildfires and more extreme precipitation events in many regions. As these ecological disturbances increasingly coincide, they alter lateral fluxes of sediment, organic matter, and nutrients. Here, we report the stream chemistry response of watersheds in a semiarid region of Utah (USA) that were affected by a megafire followed by an extreme precipitation event in October 2018. We analyzed daily to hourly water samples at 10 stream locations from before the storm event until three weeks after its conclusion for suspended sediment, solute and nutrient concentrations, water isotopes, and dissolved organic matter concentration, optical properties, and reactivity. The megafire caused a ~2,000-fold increase in sediment flux and a ~6,000-fold increase in particulate carbon and nitrogen flux over the course of the storm. Unexpectedly, dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration was 2.1-fold higher in burned watersheds, despite the decreased organic matter from the fire. DOC from burned watersheds was 1.3-fold more biodegradable and 2.0-fold more photodegradable than in unburned watersheds based on 28-day dark and light incubations. Regardless of burn status, nutrient concentrations were higher in watersheds with greater urban and agricultural land use. Likewise, human land use had a greater effect than megafire on apparent hydrological residence time, with rapid stormwater signals in urban and agricultural areas but a gradual stormwater pulse in areas without direct human influence. These findings highlight how megafires and intense rainfall increase short-term particulate flux and alter organic matter concentration and characteristics. However, in contrast with previous research, which has largely focused on burned-unburned comparisons in pristine watersheds, we found that direct human influence exerted a primary control on nutrient status. Reducing anthropogenic nutrient sources could therefore increase socioecological resilience of surface water networks to changing wildfire regimes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Crandall
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
- Cimarron Valley Research Station, Oklahoma State University, Perkins, Oklahoma, United States of America
| | - Erin Jones
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Mitchell Greenhalgh
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Rebecca J. Frei
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Natasha Griffin
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Emilee Severe
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Jordan Maxwell
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Leika Patch
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - S. Isaac St. Clair
- Department of Statistics, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Sam Bratsman
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Marina Merritt
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Adam J. Norris
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Gregory T. Carling
- Department of Geological Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Neil Hansen
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Samuel B. St. Clair
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| | - Benjamin W. Abbott
- Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
The Impact of Wildfires on Mental Health: A Scoping Review. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:bs11090126. [PMID: 34562964 PMCID: PMC8466569 DOI: 10.3390/bs11090126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the many consequences of climate change is an increase in the frequency, severity, and, thus, impact of wildfires across the globe. The destruction and loss of one's home, belongings, and surrounding community, and the threat to personal safety and the safety of loved ones can have significant consequences on survivors' mental health, which persist for years after. The objective of this scoping review was to identify primary studies examining the impact of wildfires on mental health and to summarize findings for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance use. Literature searches on Pubmed and Embase were conducted in February and April of 2021, respectively, with no date restrictions. A total of 254 studies were found in the two database searches, with 60 studies meeting the inclusion criteria. Three other studies were identified and included based on relevant in-text citations during data abstraction. The results show an increased rate of PTSD, depression, and generalized anxiety at several times of follow-up post-wildfire, from the subacute phase, to years after. An increased rate of mental health disorders post-wildfire has been found in both the adult and pediatric population, with a number of associated risk factors, the most significant being characteristics of the wildfire trauma itself. Several new terms have arisen in the literature secondary to an increased awareness and understanding of the impact of natural disasters on mental health, including ecological grief, solastalgia, and eco-anxiety. There are a number of patient factors and systemic changes that have been identified post-wildfire that can contribute to resilience and recovery.
Collapse
|
16
|
Pendergrast CB, Errett NA. Public Health Requirements and Authorities in State Statutory Disaster Recovery Law: A Cross-Sectional Legal Assessment. Health Secur 2021; 19:271-279. [PMID: 33978470 DOI: 10.1089/hs.2020.0070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
State statutory laws serve as a vital tool for public health entities to assist communities with recovery from disasters. However, no systematic assessment has examined the content of state law addressing disaster recovery or explored if and how the public health role is discussed in state law addressing disaster recovery. This study examined public health-related requirements, authorities, and activities in state disaster recovery laws. Nexis Uni, a legal database, was used to identify codified state statutory laws that authorize or require specific state or local public health entity actions, or set conditions where public health entity actions could be authorized/required, related to disaster recovery planning, implementation, or evaluation (ie, health disaster recovery laws). Disaster recovery laws were reviewed and coded to identify health-related requirements, authorities, and activities planned for recovery. Most states (n = 47) have disaster recovery laws, and 17 states were found to have 30 codified statutory health disaster recovery laws. Half (n = 15) of identified laws require a public health liaison to or representation on a recovery committee or other organization/body working on recovery planning or implementation activities. State disaster recovery laws have limited public health requirements, authorities, and activities. Further research is needed to assess the potential public health benefits of components of state law supporting public health involvement in disaster recovery. The development and dissemination of best practices or model laws and tools to provide opportunities for public health actors to inform recovery decision making may enhance the potential for health promotion during disaster recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire B Pendergrast
- Claire B. Pendergrast, MPH, is a PhD Student, Department of Sociology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. Nicole A. Errett, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Nicole A Errett
- Claire B. Pendergrast, MPH, is a PhD Student, Department of Sociology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. Nicole A. Errett, PhD, is an Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Charlson F, Ali S, Benmarhnia T, Pearl M, Massazza A, Augustinavicius J, Scott JG. Climate Change and Mental Health: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4486. [PMID: 33922573 PMCID: PMC8122895 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Climate change is negatively impacting the mental health of populations. This scoping review aims to assess the available literature related to climate change and mental health across the World Health Organisation's (WHO) five global research priorities for protecting human health from climate change. We conducted a scoping review to identify original research studies related to mental health and climate change using online academic databases. We assessed the quality of studies where appropriate assessment tools were available. We identified 120 original studies published between 2001 and 2020. Most studies were quantitative (n = 67), cross-sectional (n = 42), conducted in high-income countries (n = 87), and concerned with the first of the WHO global research priorities-assessing the mental health risks associated with climate change (n = 101). Several climate-related exposures, including heat, humidity, rainfall, drought, wildfires, and floods were associated with psychological distress, worsened mental health, and higher mortality among people with pre-existing mental health conditions, increased psychiatric hospitalisations, and heightened suicide rates. Few studies (n = 19) addressed the other four global research priorities of protecting health from climate change (effective interventions (n = 8); mitigation and adaptation (n = 7); improving decision-support (n = 3); and cost estimations (n = 1)). While climate change and mental health represents a rapidly growing area of research, it needs to accelerate and broaden in scope to respond with evidence-based mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Charlson
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Queensland Health, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia; (S.A.); (M.P.); (J.G.S.)
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
- Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Suhailah Ali
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Queensland Health, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia; (S.A.); (M.P.); (J.G.S.)
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Tarik Benmarhnia
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science & Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC, San Diego, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Madeleine Pearl
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Queensland Health, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia; (S.A.); (M.P.); (J.G.S.)
- School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Alessandro Massazza
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1E 7HT, UK;
| | - Jura Augustinavicius
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - James G. Scott
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, Queensland Health, Wacol, QLD 4076, Australia; (S.A.); (M.P.); (J.G.S.)
- Mental Health Programme, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4076, Australia
- Metro North Mental Health Service, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kumar P, Kumar N, Sarthi PP. Feeling solastalgia: A study of the effects of changing climate in rural India. ASIAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ajsp.12473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Pawan Kumar
- Department of Psychological Sciences Central University of South Bihar GayaIndia
| | - Narsingh Kumar
- Department of Psychological Sciences Central University of South Bihar GayaIndia
| | - Pradhan Parth Sarthi
- Department of Environmental Sciences Central University of South Bihar Gaya India
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Idrovo AJ, Santander-Dueñas MT, Porras-Holguín JA, Amaya-Castellanos CI. Adaptación y validación factorial de dos escalas de solastalgia en español en contextos con embalses. Rev Salud Publica (Bogota) 2021. [DOI: 10.15446/rsap.v23n1.91216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Objetivo Reportar los resultados del proceso de adaptación y evaluación psicométrica de dos escalas para medir la solastalgia en contextos relacionados con la construcción de embalses.Métodos Primero se adaptó al español la escala Environmental Distress Scale de Higginbotham et ál., que fue probada con una población ribereña del río San Jorge (Córdoba, Colombia). Luego se hicieron grupos focales y entrevistas con habitantes cercanos a Hidrosogamoso para comprender el concepto de solastalgia, asociado a la construcción de embalses. Finalmente se construyeron dos escalas, de 8 y 13 ítems, que fueron usadas con residentes cercanos a las centrales hidroeléctricas de Sogamoso (Santander) y El Quimbo (Huila), respectivamente. La validación incluyó la evaluación de unidimensionalidad con componentes principales y la evaluación de confiabilidad con alfa de Cronbach.Resultados Participaron 103 individuos de los alrededores del embalse de Hidrosogamoso y 277 individuos del embalse de El Quimbo. En ambas escalas se identificó un factor con eigenvalue de 3,95 y 8,12 en Hidrosogamoso y El Quimbo, respectivamente. Los coeficientes de Cronbach fueron de 0,8515 y 0,9441 para los grupos Hidrosogamoso y El Quimbo, respectivamente.Conclusiones Los resultados permitieron tener dos escalas en español de 8 y 13 ítems, siendo esta última la de mejor desempeño psicométrico. Así, no es posible tener solo una escala de solastalgia, debido a que debe ser adaptada al ambiente deteriorado o contaminado relacionado con la solastalgia.
Collapse
|
20
|
Berroeta H, Pinto de Carvalho L, Castillo-Sepúlveda J, Opazo L. Sociospatial ties and postdisaster reconstruction: An analysis of the assemblage in the mega-fire of Valparaíso. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 49:95-117. [PMID: 32840883 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Disasters affect sociospatial links in a dynamic and unstable meshwork of aspects that are reconfigured. In this sense, accounting for this complexity is central to analyze the transformation of the sociospatial linkage of the affected people and communities. Addressing from community environmental psychology, we propose the concept of assemblage to guide a situated reading of subjective, material, and community aspects present in a reconstruction process after a disaster. Following a qualitative methodology, using spatially referenced narrative interviews (n = 16) and thematic analysis, it is described how these links are presented in a community that lived the mega-fire of a part of the city of Valparaíso in Chile. The results describe that the experience of being a community is a variable flow within a process defined by an ever-emerging configuration of spatial, technological, personal, social, and sensory characteristics. We conclude by pointing out the qualities of the communities when considered from an assemblage perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Berroeta
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychology, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Laís Pinto de Carvalho
- Faculty of Social Sciences, School of Psychology, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | | | - Luis Opazo
- Department of Psychology, Universidad Politécnica Salesiana del Ecuador, Cuenca, Ecuador
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Galway LP, Beery T, Jones-Casey K, Tasala K. Mapping the Solastalgia Literature: A Scoping Review Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16152662. [PMID: 31349659 PMCID: PMC6696016 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16152662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Solastalgia is a relatively new concept for understanding the links between human and ecosystem health, specifically, the cumulative impacts of climatic and environmental change on mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Given the speed and scale of climate change alongside biodiversity loss, pollution, deforestation, unbridled resource extraction, and other environmental challenges, more and more people will experience solastalgia. This study reviewed 15 years of scholarly literature on solastalgia using a scoping review process. Our goal was to advance conceptual clarity, synthesize the literature, and identify priorities for future research. Four specific questions guided the review process: (1) How is solastalgia conceptualized and applied in the literature?; (2) How is solastalgia experienced and measured in the literature?; (3) How is ‘place’ understood in the solastalgia literature?; and (4) Does the current body of literature on solastalgia engage with Indigenous worldviews and experiences? Overall, we find there is a need for additional research employing diverse methodologies, across a greater diversity of people and places, and conducted in collaboration with affected populations and potential knowledge, alongside greater attention to the practical implications and applications of solastalgia research. We also call for continued efforts to advance conceptual clarity and theoretical foundations. Key outcomes of this study include our use of the landscape construct in relation to solastalgia and a call to better understand Indigenous peoples’ lived experiences of landscape transformation and degradation in the context of historical traumas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay P Galway
- Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada.
| | - Thomas Beery
- Faculty for Natural Sciences, Kristianstad University, 291 88 Kristianstad, Sweden
- Faculty for Teacher Training, Kristianstad University, 291 88 Kristianstad, Sweden
| | | | - Kirsti Tasala
- Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Block K, Molyneaux R, Gibbs L, Alkemade N, Baker E, MacDougall C, Ireton G, Forbes D. The role of the natural environment in disaster recovery: "We live here because we love the bush". Health Place 2019; 57:61-69. [PMID: 30981069 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2019.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This mixed-methods study explored the role of connection to the natural environment in recovery from the 'Black Saturday' bushfires that blazed across Victoria, Australia, in February 2009. Qualitative findings demonstrated that many participants had a strong connection to the natural environment, experienced considerable grief as a result of its devastation in the fires and drew solace from seeing it regenerate over the following months and years. Quantitative analyses indicated that a strong attachment to the environment was associated with reduced psychological distress, fewer symptoms of major depression and fire-related PTSD, and higher levels of resilience, post-traumatic growth and life satisfaction. While social connections are increasingly recognized as supportive of disaster recovery, the influence of landscapes also needs to be recognized in terms of the impact of their destruction as well as their therapeutic potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen Block
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
| | - Robyn Molyneaux
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Lisa Gibbs
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; Centre for Disaster Management and Public Safety, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nathan Alkemade
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elyse Baker
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Colin MacDougall
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Greg Ireton
- Centre for Health Equity, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - David Forbes
- Phoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel J Moysés
- School of Life Sciences at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PPGO/PUCPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Renata C Soares
- School of Life Sciences at Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PPGO/PUCPR), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
Multiple global environmental changes (GECs) now under way, including climate change, biodiversity loss, freshwater depletion, tropical deforestation, overexploitation of fisheries, ocean acidification, and soil degradation, have substantial, but still imperfectly understood, implications for human health. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) make a major contribution to the global burden of disease. Many of the driving forces responsible for GEC also influence NCD risk through a range of mechanisms. This article provides an overview of pathways linking GEC and NCDs, focusing on five pathways: ( a) energy, air pollution, and climate change; ( b) urbanization; ( c) food, nutrition, and agriculture; ( d) the deposition of persistent chemicals in the environment; and ( e) biodiversity loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Howard Frumkin
- Our Planet, Our Health Program, Wellcome Trust, London NW1 2BE, United Kingdom;
| | - Andy Haines
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society and Department of Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London WC1H 9SH, United Kingdom;
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hayes K, Poland B. Addressing Mental Health in a Changing Climate: Incorporating Mental Health Indicators into Climate Change and Health Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessments. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15091806. [PMID: 30131478 PMCID: PMC6164893 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15091806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A growing number of health authorities around the world are conducting climate change and health vulnerability and adaptation assessments; however, few explore impacts and adaptations related to mental health. We argue for an expanded conceptualization of health that includes both the physiological and psychological aspects of climate change and health. Through a review of the global literature on mental health and climate change, this analytical review explores how mental health can be integrated into climate change and health vulnerability assessments and concludes with recommendations for integrating mental health within climate change and health vulnerability and adaptation assessments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie Hayes
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada.
| | - Blake Poland
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
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; 12:28. [PMID: 29881451 PMCID: PMC5984805 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-018-0210-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This article provides an overview of the current and projected climate change risks and impacts to mental health and provides recommendations for priority actions to address the mental health consequences of climate change. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The authors argue the following three points: firstly, while attribution of mental health outcomes to specific climate change risks remains challenging, there are a number of opportunities available to advance the field of mental health and climate change with more empirical research in this domain; secondly, the risks and impacts of climate change on mental health are already rapidly accelerating, resulting in a number of direct, indirect, and overarching effects that disproportionally affect those who are most marginalized; and, thirdly, interventions to address climate change and mental health need to be coordinated and rooted in active hope in order to tackle the problem in a holistic manner. This discussion paper concludes with recommendations for priority actions to address the mental health consequences of climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katie Hayes
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - G. Blashki
- Nossal Institute for Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC Australia
| | - J. Wiseman
- Melbourne Sustainable Society Institute, University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC Australia
| | - S. Burke
- Australian Psychological Society, Level 11, 257 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - L. Reifels
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Kooistra C, Hall TE, Paveglio T, Pickering M. Understanding the Factors that Influence Perceptions of Post-Wildfire Landscape Recovery Across 25 Wildfires in the Northwestern United States. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2018; 61:85-102. [PMID: 29177894 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-017-0962-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Disturbances such as wildfire are important features of forested landscapes. The trajectory of changes following wildfires (often referred to as landscape recovery) continues to be an important research topic among ecologists and wildfire scientists. However, the landscape recovery process also has important social dimensions that may or may not correspond to ecological or biophysical perspectives. Perceptions of landscape recovery may affect people's attitudes and behaviors related to forest and wildfire management. We explored the variables that influence people's perceptions of landscape recovery across 25 fires that occurred in 2011 or 2012 in the United States of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana and that represented a range of fire behavior characteristics and landscape impacts. Residents near each of the 25 fires were randomly selected to receive questionnaires about their experiences with the nearby fire, including perceived impacts and how the landscape had recovered since the fire. People generally perceived landscapes as recovering, even though only one to two years had passed. Regression analysis suggested that perceptions of landscape recovery were positively related to stronger beliefs about the ecological role of fire and negatively related to loss of landscape attachment, concern about erosion, increasing distance from the fire perimeter, and longer lasting fires. Hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) analysis indicated that the above relationships were largely consistent across fires. These findings highlight that perceptions of post-fire landscape recovery are influenced by more than vegetation changes and include emotional and cognitive factors. We discuss the management implications of these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Kooistra
- Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, 321 Richardson Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
| | - T E Hall
- Department of Forest Ecosystems and Society, Oregon State University, 321 Richardson Hall, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - T Paveglio
- Natural Resources and Society, University of Idaho, 875 Perimeter Drive, MS 1142, Moscow, ID, 83844-1142, USA
| | - M Pickering
- Public Health Program, Eastern Washington University, 668N. Riverpoint Blvd., Rm. 236, Spokane, WA, 99202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
|