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

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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.

Summary

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.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by funds from a Social Science and Humanities Research Insight Development Grant awarded to GM.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Health Disciplines, Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB, T9S 3A3, Canada

    Matthew Treble & Gina Martin

  2. Department of Sociology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland

    Alina Cosma

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  1. Matthew Treble
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Correspondence to Gina Martin.

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Treble, M., Cosma, A. & Martin, G. Child and Adolescent Psychological Reactions to Climate Change: A Narrative Review Through an Existential Lens. Curr Psychiatry Rep 25, 357–363 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-023-01430-y

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