Browsing by Subject "Ilmastoahdistus"

Purpose of the Review: Climate change is not a new thing. Global warming and climate change pose environmental problems and increasing risks for mental health of individuals as well as generally among people. Children and adolescents are at risk of a range of climate-related mental health stressors due to their limited adaptive capacity and still developing understanding of the climate change. They are exposed to the negative effects of climate change for their whole lifetime. In this study, I reviewed the latest research on the psychological effects of climate change on children and adolescents. This study included research that addressed children and adolescents' awareness of climate change, their emotions and anxiety towards climate change and future. Methods: Literature searches were made in PubMed with mixed words 1) climate change or global warming, 2) mental health, anxiety, eco-anxiety, distress or fear and 3) children, child or adolescent. Language was English. In addition, the bibliographies of the selected articles were manually browsed and some of the literature was selected from there. 19 articles covering the effects of climate change for children and adolescents were selected for this study. Findings and summary: Children and adolescent of all ages are aware of climate change. They are worried and afraid of climate change and the future all around the world. Awareness of climate change arose emotions and eco-anxiety. Children and adolescents will be the future decision-makers, so they need skills and the capacity to adapt to the climate change. More research is needed on mental health and adaptation effects of climate change for children, adolescents and adults.