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Contributions of Health Psychology to Climate Change: A Review

Author

Listed:
  • Elisa Kern de Castro

    (Egas Moniz Center for Interdisciplinary Research, Egas Moniz School of Health and Science, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal)

  • Marta Reis

    (Egas Moniz School of Health and Science, 2829-511 Almada, Portugal
    Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, 1495-751 Lisbon, Portugal
    ISAMB/Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-026 Lisboa, Portugal)

Abstract

Climate change poses a significant threat to human health, necessitating interdisciplinary approaches to mitigate its effects. Health psychology, with its focus on behavior change and well-being, is uniquely positioned to contribute to climate action. This review examines how health psychology can address climate-related challenges, emphasizing psychological responses to environmental stressors, behavior modification strategies, and public health interventions. The findings indicate that climate change functions as a psychological stressor, contributing to anxiety, depression, and eco-distress. Additionally, behavioral science insights are underutilized in climate governance, despite their potential to drive sustainable actions. Health psychology can enhance climate adaptation by promoting pro-environmental behaviors, fostering resilience, and integrating psychological well-being into policy frameworks. However, barriers such as limited interdisciplinary collaboration and insufficient emphasis on systemic change hinder progress. To maximize impact, health psychologists must engage in climate governance, advocate for policy integration, and address both individual and collective behavior change. Future research should explore the intersection of mental health, climate resilience, and behavior adaptation to develop comprehensive strategies for tackling climate change. This review underscores the urgent need for health psychology to play a more active role in shaping climate policy and fostering sustainable, health-promoting behaviors.

Suggested Citation

  • Elisa Kern de Castro & Marta Reis, 2025. "Contributions of Health Psychology to Climate Change: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(4), pages 1-16, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:4:p:634-:d:1637005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Gloria Freschi & Marialuisa Menegatto & Adriano Zamperini, 2023. "How Can Psychology Contribute to Climate Change Governance? A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-24, September.
    3. Michael Siegrist & Joseph Árvai, 2020. "Risk Perception: Reflections on 40 Years of Research," Risk Analysis, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 40(S1), pages 2191-2206, November.
    4. Ashlee Cunsolo & Neville R. Ellis, 2018. "Ecological grief as a mental health response to climate change-related loss," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 8(4), pages 275-281, April.
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