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Understanding the Spectrum of Anxiety Responses to Climate Change: A Systematic Review of the Qualitative Literature

Author

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  • Catriona Soutar

    (Sydney Local Health District, Sydney 2050, Australia)

  • Anne P. F. Wand

    (Specialty of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
    School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2033, Australia)

Abstract

Background: Knowledge about climate change may produce anxiety, but the concept of climate change anxiety is poorly understood. The primary aim of this study was to systematically review the qualitative literature regarding the scope of anxiety responses to climate change. The secondary aim was to investigate the sociodemographic and geographical factors which influence experiences of climate change anxiety. Methods: A systematic review of empirical qualitative studies was undertaken, examining the scope of climate change anxiety by searching five databases. Studies were critically appraised for quality. Content analysis was used to identify themes. Results: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The content analysis was organised into two overarching themes. The scope of anxiety included worry about threats to livelihood, worry for future generations, worry about apocalyptic futures, anxiety at the lack of response to climate change, and competing worries. Themes pertaining to responses to climate change anxiety included symptoms of anxiety, feeling helpless and disempowered, and ways of managing climate change anxiety. Relatively few studies were identified, with limited geographical diversity amongst the populations studied. Conclusions: The review furthers understanding of the concept of climate change anxiety and responses to it, highlighting the need for high-quality psychiatric research exploring its clinical significance and potential interventions.

Suggested Citation

  • Catriona Soutar & Anne P. F. Wand, 2022. "Understanding the Spectrum of Anxiety Responses to Climate Change: A Systematic Review of the Qualitative Literature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-23, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:2:p:990-:d:725955
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Stefan Kaltschik & Christoph Pieh & Rachel Dale & Thomas Probst & Barbara Pammer & Elke Humer, 2022. "Assessment of the Long-Term Mental Health Effects on Austrian Students after COVID-19 Restrictions," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-13, October.

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