Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Category
Social Sciences/Humanities
Abstract/Artist Statement
In addition to the ongoing and anticipated destruction of the environment, climate change threatens the mental well-being of humanity on a global scale. Climate change has been conceptualized as a form of existential anxiety due to its acute, chronic, and expected (yet uncertain) effects (Zotova & Karapetyan, 2018). Younger generations will be more directly impacted by the long-term effects of climate change and have been burdened with a greater responsibility to minimize its destruction (Hausfather, 2020). Furthermore, young people are at an increased risk of psychological impacts from climate change and have reported high levels of climate-related anxiety and distress (Hickman et al., 2021). Climate change also acts as a reminder of one’s own mortality. Researchers have previously demonstrated the extensive impacts of mortality salience on identity development and maintenance (e.g. defense of cultural worldviews, degradation of outgroup members, attempts to enhance self-esteem). Research also suggests that reminders of mortality can decrease pro-environmental attitudes/behaviors. However, to the researcher team’s knowledge, there are no studies published on the impact of climate change reminders in a college-student population. In this study, we aim to examine the impact of exposure to peer vignettes related to climate change anxiety, death anxiety, and social anxiety (control) on psychological well-being, identity, and environmental attitudes in the context of a college-student population.
Mentor Name
Rachel Williamson
Personal Statement
My research aims to unravel the global mental health challenges posed by climate change — something I feel is invaluable to the future of humanity. As an existential threat, climate change interacts with all levels of existence on Earth: sociocultural, communal, occupational, familial, and the individual psyche. Climate change poses both direct impacts of extreme weather events as well as anticipated loss and trauma related to the uncertainty of the future. Harmful outcomes of climate change disproportionately affect low-income countries, individuals who are of low socioeconomic status, indigenous peoples, the elderly, and younger generations. The threat of climate change continues to grow, making it more important than ever to research the impacts of climate change, especially within current high-risk populations. One way I aim to unravel these complexities is through the development of more robust assessments to better understand traumatic responses across the globe as a result of climate change. Additionally, I hope to expand the current bounds of knowledge about the psychological impacts of climate change by researching risk and protective factors, environmental attitudes and behaviors, and developing interventions. By focusing my research on how climate change impacts mental health, I hope to inform treatment to build community and global resilience against the ominous threat of climate change. Overall, the comprehensive nature of researching intersections in climate change and mental health underscores its significance and potential impact. My dedication to advancing knowledge in this field, coupled with the potential to have a global influence in resilience-building against climate change, makes my work particularly deserving of recognition through the "Best of GradCon" award.
Video Presentation
The Psychological Impact of Climate Change Reminders
UC North Ballroom
In addition to the ongoing and anticipated destruction of the environment, climate change threatens the mental well-being of humanity on a global scale. Climate change has been conceptualized as a form of existential anxiety due to its acute, chronic, and expected (yet uncertain) effects (Zotova & Karapetyan, 2018). Younger generations will be more directly impacted by the long-term effects of climate change and have been burdened with a greater responsibility to minimize its destruction (Hausfather, 2020). Furthermore, young people are at an increased risk of psychological impacts from climate change and have reported high levels of climate-related anxiety and distress (Hickman et al., 2021). Climate change also acts as a reminder of one’s own mortality. Researchers have previously demonstrated the extensive impacts of mortality salience on identity development and maintenance (e.g. defense of cultural worldviews, degradation of outgroup members, attempts to enhance self-esteem). Research also suggests that reminders of mortality can decrease pro-environmental attitudes/behaviors. However, to the researcher team’s knowledge, there are no studies published on the impact of climate change reminders in a college-student population. In this study, we aim to examine the impact of exposure to peer vignettes related to climate change anxiety, death anxiety, and social anxiety (control) on psychological well-being, identity, and environmental attitudes in the context of a college-student population.