Abstract
The aim of the study is to explore the lived experience of adolescents who are concerned about climate change. A critical gap exists in research concerning climate change and adolescent mental health. Youth are at particularly high risk for the negative health effects of climate change. As a vulnerable population, adolescents are also at a critical stage in moral and cognitive development that increases their risk for traumatic mental health outcomes associated with climate change such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety and depression. Research is needed to understand the meaning and experience adolescents give to being concerned about climate change, and how this affects them. The purpose of this pilot study is to explore the lived experience of adolescents who are concerned about climate change and to deepen our understanding of the complex nature of the juncture between adolescent development, climate change concern and mental health. This pilot study utilizes a participant-driven philosophical hermeneutic approach. The participants are asked an opening question “tell me what it is like to be concerned about climate change”. From there, deeper, probing questions are asked as new themes arise in the participant’s story. Analysis is conducted with a team of researchers, including content and methods experts. The findings contribute to understanding the physical and mental health impacts that climate change has on adolescents. Due to the vulnerable nature of the adolescent developmentally, it is critical to understand these effects to develop primary prevention measures to promote healthy outcomes and counter negative challenges.
Details
Presentation Type
Theme
Human Impacts and Responsibility
KEYWORDS
Adolescents, Climate Change, Mental Health, Phenomenology, Adolescent Development, Eco-anxiety, Concern
