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Psychosocial adaptation to climate change in High River, Alberta: implications for policy and practice
Abstract
Objectives
Psychosocial adaptation to climate change-related events remains understudied. We sought to assess how the psychosocial consequences of a major event were addressed via public health responses (e.g., programs, policies, and practices) that aimed to enhance, protect, and promote mental health.Methods
We report on a study of health and social service responses to the long-term mental health impacts of the 2013 Southern Alberta flood, in High River, Alberta. Qualitative research methods included (i) telephone interviews (n = 14) with key informant health and social services leaders, (ii) four focus group sessions with front-line health and social services workers (n = 14), and (iii) semi-structured interviews with a sample of community members (n = 18) who experienced the flood. We conducted a descriptive thematic analysis, with a focus on participants’ perceptions and experiences.ResultsFindings of this study suggest (1) the long-term psychosocial impacts of extreme weather and climate change require sustained recovery interventions rooted in local knowledge and interdisciplinary action; (2) there are unintended consequences related to psychosocial interventions that can incite complex emotions and impact psychosocial recovery; and (3) perceptions of mental health care, among people exposed to climate-related trauma, can guide climate change and mental health response and recovery interventions.Conclusion
Based on this initial exploration, policy and practice opportunities for public health to enhance psychosocial adaptation to our changing climate are highlighted.
... In June 2013, a period of rapid snowmelt combined with torrential rain caused several rivers in the Southern Alberta region to overflow their banks, resulting in widespread flooding. This flood led to the evacuation of approximately 120,000 residents over 3 days [10][11][12]. As a result, businesses closed for over a week, and school and utility services were severely disrupted [9] The damage from the flood was estimated at billions of dollars' worth, making it one of the most expensive natural disasters in Canadian history [13]. ...
... Prior literature demonstrated that people affected by disasters sometimes experience high levels of distress, poor well-being, and other major psycho-social issues and that these problems can persist for many years [7,[14][15][16][17]. As the 2013 Southern Alberta flood appeared to have long-term consequences for some [9,11,12], we conducted a follow-up study, six years after the flood, in October 2019. This second sample included several individuals who participated in the first survey, as well as others who had experienced the flood but had not taken part in the first survey. ...
... Perhaps, a simple way to describe this pattern is to concede that the 2013 flood resulted in prolonged disruption of regular life through displacement, loss, etc., and to assume that this type of disruption might have caused enough distress to make people depressed and anxious [63]. Consistent with the present findings, elsewhere, it has been reported that there was an increase in the anxiety and stress level of the High River residents following the 2013 flood, particularly those who lost their houses and valuable possessions [12,65,67]. Interestingly, during Wave 2, we observed a relatively strong correlation between PTSD and flood-related changes. ...
Natural disasters pose an increasing threat to individuals and their well-being. Although much is known about the short-term effects of a disaster, there has been much less work on how disasters affect individuals over long periods. Additionally, disaster research has traditionally focused either on the mental outcome or economic impacts, limiting the understanding of the link between disaster-induced changes (i.e., transition) and mental health. Thus, this exploratory study aimed to measure the long-term transitional impacts of the Southern Alberta flood of 2013 and the relationship between this disaster-specific transition and well-being. In this follow-up, conducted six years after the flood, 65 participants were re-assessed on the 12-item Transitional Impact Scale (TIS-12) and their ratings were compared across two-time points (2013 vs. 2019). Additionally, the 21-item DASS and the 8-item PCL-5 were introduced in the follow-up to assess these participants’ mental health states. Paired T-tests of the material and psychological subscale of the TIS demonstrated significantly lower ratings in 2019 than in 2013. After six years, PTSD had a high correlation with the material and psychological subscale of the TIS and DASS. However, depression and anxiety were reliably related to psychological TIS only. Overall, the findings suggest that individuals’ well-being is largely determined by the level of disaster-related material and psychological life changes experienced over time. These findings might be useful to take note of the short-term and long-term impact of disaster-specific transitions while assisting professionals and policymakers in formulating interventions to preserve people’s well-being during the disaster and promote resilience following it.
... In St. Lucia's National Climate-change Policy and Adaptation plan (CCPAP) [15] , we identified the chapter "Policy directives" which presented seven areas critical for the development of climate change policies in St. Lucia. Human health was one such area, as well as coastal and marine resources, terrestrial resources, terrestrial biodiversity and agriculture, human settlements, water resources, tourism, and the financial sector. ...
... The chapter for health primarily focused on physical health rather than mental health (p. 16) [15] . The impacts of climate change on health mentioned in the chapter included "the increased incidence of mosquito and other vector-borne diseases (such as dengue fever)", "a higher occurrence of heat and stress-related illnesses and conditions," and "an increase in water-related diseases, especially water-borne diseases" (p. ...
... The impacts of climate change on health mentioned in the chapter included "the increased incidence of mosquito and other vector-borne diseases (such as dengue fever)", "a higher occurrence of heat and stress-related illnesses and conditions," and "an increase in water-related diseases, especially water-borne diseases" (p. 16) [15] . A "higher occurrence of heat and stress-related illnesses and conditions" [15] could potentially include psychological dimensions, but no further information was given in the chapter. ...
OBJECTIVE. To elucidate whether mental health dimensions have already been included in disaster and climate change interventions in St. Lucia, a Caribbean island that is highly vulnerable to climate change.
METHODS. We identified documents for national policy and implementation to analyze (1) the relative importance of health in the documents and (2) the conceptualization of health. These document analyzes were complemented by semi-structured interviews and questionnaires to key stakeholders.
RESULTS. In national policy, there were very few instances where mental health dimensions were addressed in climate change documents. In documents related to disasters, mental health dimensions were mentioned occasionally. Of 218 projects implemented, only three were related to health. Two of them were unrelated to mental health dimensions. The remaining one explicitly considered these dimensions, but this project did not appear to be implemented according to our supplementary interview.
CONCLUSION. This research revealed that mental health dimensions have yet to be included in disaster and climate change interventions in St. Lucia. To our best knowledge, this is the only study that addressed this point by analyzing key policy documents.
... A variety of activities are integral to coping and adapting to floods ( Figure 1, left side box), which may involve institutional measures and arrangements to help local communities. For example, in their study of towns in Alberta, Canada, Hayes et al. [34] suggested that, depending on the town's capacity, the provincial government will award contracts to outside response organizations to help cope with floods. Furthermore, actions arising from people's belief systems and faith play an important role in coping and adaptation, especially in uniting community members in times of crises. ...
... Agathe and St. Adolphe during the 1997 flood. Similarly, in Alberta, Canada, faith-based quasi-formal institutions drove coping and adaptation measures substantively at the community level [34]. It is evident that quasi-formal institutions play a major role in supporting local communities with coping measures, especially during flood disasters. ...
In general, much is known about patterns relating to flood risk reduction, coping, and adaptation in various types of communities; however, knowledge of their drivers—which are critical for building community resilience to natural hazards—is limited. The present study investigates the influencing factors of coping and adaptation measures vis-a-vis flood hazards at the community level and examines their interrelationships. This work employs a “case study” approach and analyzes two towns—St. Adolphe and Ste. Agathe—in the Red River Valley in the province of Manitoba, Canada. Data collection consisted of in-depth interviews with key informants and obtaining oral histories from the locals, along with an examination of secondary official records and documents. The results revealed that the major drivers of local-level coping and adaptation include functioning partnerships among stakeholders, strong institutional structures that facilitate interactive learning, knowledge co-production, resources sharing, communication and information sharing, and infrastructure supports. It was observed that an institutional atmosphere conducive to spontaneous network development yields diverse coping and adaptation strategies. To improve the outcomes of coping and adaptation measures, close collaboration between community-based groups and formal and quasi-formal institutions, and transparency in decision-making processes are vital.
... The current findings confirm that experiential knowledge through sustained connection determines what interventions are beneficial, for whom, and when. Supporting this relationship is research from Hayes and colleagues, 111 who call for interdisciplinary interventions linked with local knowledge. Participants reported that local and broader yoga networks can enhance practice and health. ...
... 126 Re s e a rch also contends that sustained interd i s c i p l i n a ry recovery interventions linked with local knowledge are needed. 111 The current data reveal that participants drew wise counsel from various sectors, including scientific, indigenous, and land-based. 75,[127][128][129] Multiple researchers have demonstrated that, along with those whose livelihoods depend on the land or ecosystems, those most vulnerable to changing climate are marg i n a l i zed, albeit substantial, populations (indigenous, PWD, low socioeconomic status, children, women, elderly). ...
Scientists caution against ignoring human-induced climate change and related health repercussions, with a growing body of literature highlighting the mental health effects of climate change and the importance of understanding coping and adaptation strategies. Less is known, however, about sustainable personal practices fortifying mental health in the context of climate change. The present study sought to investigate how long-term yoga practitioners (yoga therapists or yoga teachers) in Australia with a lived experience of climate change-related events are coping and adapting. The aim was to better understand participants' reports of climate change-related experiences and how yoga influences their mental health and choices in the face of climate change. Eleven in-depth telephone interviews were conducted and analyzed using an interpretive phenomenological methodology. Participants reported that their ongoing relationship with yoga influences how they cope with climate change-related stressors and their being-in-the-world, and how concern for all life bolsters their responses to climate change. The results illustrate the part yoga may play in supporting long-term practitioners to prepare for, cope with, and respond to climate change events and impacts. Offering inclusive, interdisciplinary yoga therapy and community-based networks fostering ethical living and response flexibility may prove beneficial not only for the mental health and coping ability of participants, but for the planet.
... droughts, increasing vector-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, floodings, forest fires), as well as their economic reliance on natural resources. [45][46][47][48][49] However, this survey was completed a few months before Quebec experienced unprecedented forest fires in summer 2023, which have been directly related to climate change by some experts. 50 A strength of this study is our large sample size, the KAP approach, and diversity of respondents. ...
Background
Climate change impacts health and threatens the stability of care delivery systems, while healthcare is mobilizing to reduce its significant environmental impact.
Objective
This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) about climate change among Canadian kidney care providers.
Design, setting, participants, measurements, and methods
An electronic KAP survey, created by the Canadian Society of Nephrology-Sustainable Nephrology Action Planning committee, was distributed to kidney care providers across Canada, from March to April 2023.
Results
A total of 516 people responded to the survey. Most respondents (79%) identified as women; 83% were aged 30 to 59 years. Nurses and nephrologists made up 44% and 23% of respondents, respectively. About half of the participants felt informed about climate change to an average degree. Most respondents (71%; 349/495 and 62%; 300/489) were either extremely or very concerned about climate change and waste generated in their kidney care program, respectively. The vast majority of respondents (89%; 441/495) reported taking steps to lower their personal carbon footprint. People who felt more informed about climate change presented higher degrees of concern. Similarly, both those who felt more informed and those who reported higher degrees of concern about climate change were more likely to take steps to reduce their carbon footprint. Over 80% of respondents (314/386) were at least moderately interested in learning sessions about environmentally sustainable initiatives in care.
Limitations
This survey is at risk of social acceptability, representative, and subjective bias. Overrepresentation from Quebec and British Columbia, as well as the majority of respondents identifying as women and working in academic centers, may affect generalizability of the findings.
Conclusions
Most kidney care providers who responded to this survey are informed and concerned about climate change, and their knowledge is directly associated with attitude and practices. This indicates that educational initiatives to increase awareness and knowledge on climate change will likely lead to practice changes.
... Extensive research has also documented the negative mental health consequences of climate and weather extreme events in the Canadian prairies, particularly floods (Acharya et al., 2007;Hayes et al., 2020;Hetherington et al., 2018;Sahni et al., 2016) and wildfires (Agyapong et al., 2022;Belleville et al., 2019;Binet et al., 2021;Brémault-Phillips et al., 2020;Cherry & Haynes, 2017;Drolet et al., 2020;McDonald-Harker et al., 2021;Montesanti et al., 2021;Moosavi et al., 2019;Ritchie et al., 2021;Thériault et al., 2021;Verstraeten et al., 2021) Hetherington et al., 2018;Sahni et al., 2016). For example, in High River, Alberta, residents and health and social service leaders reported long-lasting outcomes from the flood, including expressions of grief over losses incurred during the event and fear over future, potential flooding event . ...
The effects of climate change on human well-being are increasingly becoming apparent. Widespread attention to increases in wildfires, intense storms, droughts, flooding, and heatwaves highlights the impacts of climate change not only on physical health but also on mental health. Yet, the range and diversity of impacts is still little recognized. To gain an adequate understanding of the risks posed by climate change to mental health, attention should be paid to the variety of ways in which these impacts are experienced in various locations around the world and the factors that increase vulnerability. This chapter describes the principal ways in which climate change threatens mental health as well as some of the global variabilities. We highlight three illustrative geographic areas for which substantial research is available, namely, Australia, Canada, and the Philippines, and summarize some general recommendations for responding to this threat to mental health and promoting resilience. In conclusion, we identify important research gaps and areas for further exploration.
... De manera indirecta hay otros efectos como la exposición a olas de calor que se asocian con el aumento de la agresión, homicidios, suicidios, abuso conyugal y un aumento de admisiones hospitalarias. (5,6,7,8,9,10) En el caso de Cuba decimos que el cambio climático tiene un impacto severo, sobre todo en la intensidad y la frecuencia de los huracanes, ejemplo de esto fue el paso del huracán Ian de categoría 3 en la escala Saffir-Simpson, que azotó a la provincia de Pinar del Río en septiembre de 2022, que generó daños considerables por la intensidad del viento y la acción del mar. (11) Se demostró en estas circunstancias el alto poder de resiliencia de la sociedad cubana, su alta capacidad de compromiso, pero puso además el poderío y la fortaleza de la promoción y la prevención psicológica de nuestros sanitarios ante los desastres atmosféricos. ...
... Through their observations health care providers suggest that climate change is affecting the health of the population. These include infectious and vector-borne diseases, heat and respiratory problems, food security, and mental health, issues that have already been identified in other settings [3,39] and in a recent study in Dominica. Consistent with the findings of Macpherson (2013), the participants noted that the distinction between the wet and dry seasons was disappearing [40]. ...
Background
Adaptation to climate change (CC) is a priority for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean, as these countries and territories are particularly vulnerable to climate-related events. Primary health care (PHC) is an important contributor to CC adaptation. However, knowledge on how PHC is prepared for CC in Caribbean SIDS is very limited. The aim of this paper is to discuss health system adaptation to climate change, with a focus on PHC.
Methods
We explored the perspectives of PHC professionals in Dominica on PHC adaptation to climate change. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in each of the seven health districts in Dominica, a Caribbean SIDS, between November 2021 and January 2022. The semi-structured interview guide was based on the Essential Public Health Functions: assessment, access to health care services, policy development and resource allocation. Data coding was organized accordingly.
Results
Findings suggest that health care providers perceive climate change as contributing to an increase in NCDs and mental health problems. Climate-related events create barriers to care and exacerbate the chronic deficiencies within the health system, especially in the absence of high-level policy support. Healthcare providers need to take a holistic view of health and act accordingly in terms of disease prevention and health promotion, epidemiological surveillance, and ensuring the widest possible access to healthcare, with a particular focus on the environmental and social determinants of vulnerability.
Conclusion
The primary health care system is a key stakeholder in the design and operationalization of adaptation and transformative resilience. The Essential Public Health Functions should integrate social and climate and other environmental determinants of health to guide primary care activities to protect the health of communities. This study highlights the need for improved research on the linkages between climate events and health outcomes, surveillance, and development of plans informed by contextual knowledge in the SIDS.
... Implementing integrated screening programs and participatory community-level activities can decrease depression and domestic violence and increase conflict resolution and community resilience in postflooding settings [23]. Successful recovery efforts from flooding events require local knowledge and interdisciplinary collaboration, with careful consideration of unintended consequences associated with psychosocial interventions [24]. Urban centres can benefit from adaptation actions such as expanding green spaces, strengthening health systems, and building resilient infrastructure [25]. ...
Background.
Climate change has already impacted the health and wellbeing of ~5 billion people globally. However, the potential influence of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies on mental health and wellbeing outcomes in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) remains insufficiently understood. We aimed to determine the effect of these strategies on mental health and wellbeing outcomes among LMICs beneficiaries.
Methods.
We carried out a systematic review to identify intervention and case studies published from 2013 to 2022, searching OVID Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Global Health, Cochrane Library, GreenFile, Web of Science, and a subset of studies from the 'Global Adaptation Mapping Initiative' database. We included controlled, quasi-experimental, pilot, and focussed case studies reporting mental health or wellbeing outcomes assessments related to climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies. We categorised studies by design, geographic region, target population, setting, environmental hazard, strategy type and primary outcomes. PROSPERO registry: CRD42021262711.
Results.
9,532 studies were initially retrieved, and 15 studies involving 12,255 participants met the inclusion criteria. Among these, twelve studies described evidence from single-adaptation strategies in nine LMICs, while three reported on mitigation programmes. Only two randomised evaluations assessed common mental disorders such as depression, trauma or anxiety using validated scales. Most studies evaluated broader wellbeing at the community and individual levels. Nine studies (53.3%) reported significant beneficial changes in mental health or wellbeing outcomes among beneficiaries, while six (46.7%) obtained mixed results, linked to local and sociocultural factors. The practical significance and overall impact of the interventions remained unclear due to the heterogeneous reporting in program effectiveness, gaps in effect size assessments or qualitative insights.
Discussion.
Our review highlights the scarcity and limited nature of the current evidence, underscoring the need for further equitable research. The ongoing global climate and mental health crises press us to fully understand and address these strategies' psychosocial impacts and translate these findings into effective policy and transdisciplinary action as an opportunity to prevent and ameliorate significant, long-term problems population's mental health and wellbeing.
... Through their observations health care providers suggest that climate change is affecting the health of the population. This includes infectious and vector borne diseases, increase in heat and respiratory problems, threat to food security, and mental health, all issues already identi ed in other settings (3,34) and in a recent study in Dominica (35). ...
Background
Climate change (CC) adaptation is considered a priority for Caribbean Small Islands Developing States (SIDS), as these territories and communities are considered particularly vulnerable to climate-related events. The primary health care (PHC) system is an important actor in contributing to climate change adaptation. However, knowledge on how PHC is prepared for CC in Caribbean SIDS is very limited. The objective of this paper is to discuss health adaptation to climate change focusing on the PHC system.
Methods
We explored the perspectives of PHC professionals in Dominica on climate change. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in each of the seven health districts in Dominica, a Caribbean SIDS, between November 2021 and January 2022. The semi-structured interview guide was based on the Essential Public Health Functions: assessment, access to health care services, policy development and resource allocation. Data coding was organized accordingly.
Results
Findings suggest that health care providers perceive climate change as contributing to an increase in NCDs and mental health problems. Climate-related events create barriers to care and exacerbate the chronic deficiencies within the health system, especially in the absence of high-level policy support. Healthcare providers need to take a holistic view of health and act accordingly in terms of disease prevention and health promotion, epidemiological surveillance, and ensuring the widest possible access to health care, with a particular focus on the ecological and social determinants of vulnerability.
Conclusion
The Primary Health Care system should be a key actor in designing and operationalizing adaptation and transformative resilience. The Essential Public Health Functions should integrate social and climate and ecological determinants of health to guide primary care activities to protect the health of communities. This indicates a need for improved research on the linkages between climate events and health outcomes, surveillance, and development of plans that are guided by contextual knowledge in the SIDS.
... Less than half of the articles that included a climatemental health adaptation evaluated its effectiveness at reducing mental health risks (n ¼ 8/18, 44.4%). Of the articles that evaluated climate-mental health adaptations, two reported successful strategies (Cedeño Laurent et al., 2018;Tofighi et al., 2015), four reported somewhat successful strategies (Bunce et al., 2016;Grineski et al., 2020;Hayes et al., 2020;Williams et al., 2014) and three reported unsuccessful strategies Noelke et al., 2016). Of the successful adaptations, one study from the United States found that university students living in air-conditioned dorms during a heatwave had improved cognitive functioning compared to their peers who lived in non-air-conditioned dorms (Cedeño Laurent et al., 2018); the other study demonstrated that a buprenorphine program was successful at preventing drug relapse among patients despite service disruptions caused by Hurricane Sandy (Tofighi et al., 2015). ...
As climate change progresses, it is crucial that researchers and policymakers understand the ways in which climate-mental health risks arise through interactions between climate hazards, human exposure and social vulnerabilities across time and location. This scoping review systematically examined the nature, range and extent of published research in North America that investigates climate-mental health interactions. Five electronic databases were searched and two independent reviewers applied pre-determined criteria to assess the eligibility of articles identified in the search. Eighty-nine articles were determined to be relevant and underwent data extraction and analysis. The published literature reported on numerous exposure pathways through which acute and chronic climate hazards interacted with social vulnerabilities to increase mental health risks, including wellbeing, trauma, anxiety, depression, suicide and substance use. This review also highlights important gaps within the North American climate-mental health evidence base, including minimal research conducted in Mexico, as well as a lack of studies investigating climate-mental health adaptation strategies and projected future mental health risks. Further research should support effective preparation for and adaptation to the current and future mental health impacts of climate change. Such strategies could reduce health risks and the long-term mental health impacts that individuals and communities experience in a changing climate.
... One study looked at the health and social service responses to the long-term mental health impacts of a flood event. It concluded that sustained recovery interventions rooted in local knowledge and interdisciplinary action were required and that there are unintended consequences related to psychosocial interventions that can incite complex emotions and impact psychosocial recovery [84]. ...
Climate change is negatively impacting the mental health of populations. This scoping review aims to assess the available literature related to climate change and mental health across the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) five global research priorities for protecting human health from climate change. We conducted a scoping review to identify original research studies related to mental health and climate change using online academic databases. We assessed the quality of studies where appropriate assessment tools were available. We identified 120 original studies published between 2001 and 2020. Most studies were quantitative (n = 67), cross-sectional (n = 42), conducted in high-income countries (n = 87), and concerned with the first of the WHO global research priorities—assessing the mental health risks associated with climate change (n = 101). Several climate-related exposures, including heat, humidity, rainfall, drought, wildfires, and floods were associated with psychological distress, worsened mental health, and higher mortality among people with pre-existing mental health conditions, increased psychiatric hospitalisations, and heightened suicide rates. Few studies (n = 19) addressed the other four global research priorities of protecting health from climate change (effective interventions (n = 8); mitigation and adaptation (n = 7); improving decision-support (n = 3); and cost estimations (n = 1)). While climate change and mental health represents a rapidly growing area of research, it needs to accelerate and broaden in scope to respond with evidence-based mitigation and adaptation strategies.
... It is expected that rising sea levels and coastal erosion and other climate impacts will contribute to relocation, displacement and migration away from high-risk human settlements (McMichael et al., 2020;Palinkas & Wong, 2020). The associated disruption of community networks, livelihoods and place attachment can lead to heightened psychosocial risks (Hayes et al., 2020). ...
Non-technical summary: We summarize some of the past year's most important findings within climate change-related research. New research has improved our understanding of Earth's sensitivity to carbon dioxide, finds that permafrost thaw could release more carbon emissions than expected and that the uptake of carbon in tropical ecosystems is weakening. Adverse impacts on human society include increasing water shortages and impacts on mental health. Options for solutions emerge from rethinking economic models, rights-based litigation, strengthened governance systems and a new social contract. The disruption caused by COVID-19 could be seized as an opportunity for positive change, directing economic stimulus towards sustainable investments.
Technical summary: A synthesis is made of ten fields within climate science where there have been significant advances since mid-2019, through an expert elicitation process with broad disciplinary scope. Findings include: (1) a better understanding of equilibrium climate sensitivity; (2) abrupt thaw as an accelerator of carbon release from permafrost; (3) changes to global and regional land carbon sinks; (4) impacts of climate change on water crises, including equity perspectives; (5) adverse effects on mental health from climate change; (6) immediate effects on climate of the COVID-19 pandemic and requirements for recovery packages to deliver on the Paris Agreement; (7) suggested long-term changes to governance and a social contract to address climate change, learning from the current pandemic, (8) updated positive cost–benefit ratio and new perspectives on the potential for green growth in the short- and long-term perspective; (9) urban electrification as a strategy to move towards low-carbon energy systems and (10) rights-based litigation as an increasingly important method to address climate change, with recent clarifications on the legal standing and representation of future generations.
Social media summary: Stronger permafrost thaw, COVID-19 effects and growing mental health impacts among highlights of latest climate science.
... While interventions rooted in social connections are already widespread in other areas of public health, this paper makes a strong case for retooling existing promising practices to address climate change impacts such as extreme heat events. In a similar vein, Hayes et al. (2020) examine health and social service responses to the 2013 Southern Alberta flood in High River, Alberta. Considering the long-term mental health impacts of this climate-induced disaster, their paper shows that while High River residents were thankful for the support received, they also called for more coordinated long-term responses that respect the community agency within decision-making. ...
The volume of calls for governments and public health officials to take concerted action on climate change has become almost deafening. Public health researchers and practitioners need to look beyond what we know about the health impacts of climate change, to what we are doing as our part in contributing to holding global temperature rise to under 1.5°C. This commentary reflects on the common threads across the articles of a special section in this issue of the Canadian Journal of Public Health, “Moving on IPCC 1.5°C”, which sought examples of bold research and action advancing climate change mitigation and adaptation. Among the articles, there are signs that the public health community is gaining momentum in confronting the climate crisis. Three critical lessons emerged: the need for institutional change from the top of public health, the essential power of community in intersectoral action on climate change preparedness, and the importance of centring Indigenous wisdom to decolonize colonial legacy systems. We encourage readers to move public health research and practice from an instrumental relationship with nature to one of reverence and sacred reciprocity.
The complex and interconnected challenges of climate change, water stress, disasters, and health crises have far-reaching implications for sustainable development and global sustainability agendas, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, one critical issue that has been overlooked is the nexus between climate change impacts and mental health (CCMH). Recognizing and addressing the negative emotions associated with this global phenomenon is essential to fostering a holistic approach to climate action planning and building long-term resilience. In this assessment, we present a set of narratives to argue that CCMH research requires a collaborative, transdisciplinary approach that integrates socio-economic and socio-cultural complexities. For this assessment, we used a case study approach to elucidate that the mental health impacts of climate change are unequally distributed, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups based on age, gender, race, and socioeconomic status. The assessment presented in this study concluded that adequate mental health support programs are limited due to sociocultural stigmas and limited socioeconomic resources in some regions. Existing climate-related mental health services mechanisms lack coordination and specific action plans, leaving affected populations underserved. Unlike traditional understandings of the climate-health nexus, this research calls for experts from multiple fields to work together and for enhanced attention to and investment in CCMH research to bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and practical solutions. Such solutions will lead to scalable and lasting change as communities can implement research findings to support those in need and enhance disaster resilience. Furthermore, by collectively recognizing the climate and mental health nexus, global commitments such as the SDGs and the Paris Declaration can advance awareness and action in climate-related mental health, ultimately promoting a healthier relationship between humanity and nature.
Climate change has been identified as the biggest threat to global population health. Increasing heat waves, air pollution, extreme weather events, wildfires, droughts, vector-borne diseases, nutrition, and water scarcity driven by climate change will impact mental health directly and indirectly. Equally important will be the corresponding psychological responses to the instability and uncertainty of this environment. The disruptions to community health, disparate impacts on vulnerable populations, and overarching existential threat to human societies make climate change a particular concern for community psychiatrists. Thus, coordinating mitigation and adaptation solutions both locally and more broadly will be core tasks of the modern community psychiatrist. This chapter strives to outline the necessary knowledge to begin addressing community climate mental health impacts while also introducing both novel and well-known solutions actionable for the community psychiatrist.
Climate change is increasing risks to the mental health of Canadians. Impacts from a changing climate may outstrip the ability of Canadians and their health-sustaining institutions to adapt effectively and could increase poor mental health outcomes, particularly amongst those most marginalized in society. A scoping review of literature published during 2000–2017 explored risks, impacts, and vulnerabilities related to climate change and mental health. In this commentary, the authors present a new assessment of evidence from this scoping review and highlight factors that influence the capacity to adapt to the mental health consequences of a changing climate. Findings from this assessment reveal eleven key factors that influence the capacity to adapt: social capital; sense of community; government assistance; access to resources; community preparedness; intersectoral/transdisciplinary collaboration; vulnerability and adaptation assessments; communication and outreach; mental health literacy; and culturally relevant resources. Attention to these factors by Canadian decision makers can support proactive and effective management of the mental health consequences of climate change.
Three mental health approaches with potential relevance to rural Canada were reviewed: telepsychiatry, integrated mental health models, and community-based approaches. These approaches have been evaluated in relation to their cost-effectiveness, comprehensiveness, client-centredness, cultural appropriateness, acceptability, feasibility and fidelity; criteria that may vary amidst rural contexts. Collaborative approaches to care, technologies fully integrated into local health systems, multi-sectoral capacity-building, and further engagement with informal social support networks may be particularly promising strategies in rural communities. More research is required to determine rural mental health pathways among diverse social groups, and further, to establish the acceptability of novel approaches in mental health.
Thematic analysis is a poorly demarcated, rarely acknowledged, yet widely used qualitative analytic method within psychology. In this paper, we argue that it offers an accessible and theoretically flexible approach to analysing qualitative data. We outline what thematic analysis is, locating it in relation to other qualitative analytic methods that search for themes or patterns, and in relation to different epistemological and ontological positions. We then provide clear guidelines to those wanting to start thematic analysis, or conduct it in a more deliberate and rigorous way, and consider potential pitfalls in conducting thematic analysis. Finally, we outline the disadvantages and advantages of thematic analysis. We conclude by advocating thematic analysis as a useful and flexible method for qualitative research in and beyond psychology.
Climate change will bring more frequent, long lasting and severe adverse weather events and these changes will affect mental health. We propose an explanatory framework to enhance consideration of how these effects may operate and to encourage debate about this important aspect of the health impacts of climate change.
Literature review.
Climate change may affect mental health directly by exposing people to trauma. It may also affect mental health indirectly, by affecting (1) physical health (for example, extreme heat exposure causes heat exhaustion in vulnerable people, and associated mental health consequences) and (2) community wellbeing. Within community, wellbeing is a sub-process in which climate change erodes physical environments which, in turn, damage social environments. Vulnerable people and places, especially in low-income countries, will be particularly badly affected.
Different aspects of climate change may affect mental health through direct and indirect pathways, leading to serious mental health problems, possibly including increased suicide mortality. We propose that it is helpful to integrate these pathways in an explanatory framework, which may assist in developing public health policy, practice and research.
Farmers face multiple stressors and are becoming alert to mental health, yet their views are underresearched. We conducted, recorded, and thematically analyzed 16 semi-structured interviews with Ontario small-holder farmers recruited through county farm organizations. A subset mapped stress effects on their health. Farmers believed their health was fundamental to their farms’ viability and they approached challenges to their health and mental health similarly to how they would approach challenges to their farm. Health was a balancing act amidst stressors; good stress challenging them, and bad stress occasionally overwhelming them. Poor mental health was a barrier, while good mental health was essential for resilience. Multiple opportunities exist to work with farmers, farm organizations, and their rural communities to better support farmers striving for balance and resilience in their mental health.
The word ‘vulnerable’ is frequently used in public health research and practice. We use critical discourse analysis to explore the use of this term in articles published between January 2015 and January 2018 in the American Journal of Public Health and the Canadian Journal of Public Health. We find that terms such as ‘vulnerable groups’ are often vaguely defined or undefined, requiring the reader to ‘fill in the blanks’ as to who is vulnerable, why they are vulnerable, and what they are vulnerable to. Where terms such as ‘vulnerable groups’ are applied with some specificity, they are used as proxies for a wide range of groups, conditions and situations. Often, groups are constituted as inherently vulnerable, as authors imply that even if policies and processes change, group vulnerability will remain. Notably, populations and groups in power – and therefore responsible for generating structural vulnerability – are rarely examined. In our experience, researchers often use the word ‘vulnerable’ strategically to attract resources, policy interest and public concern. At the same time, we propose that the vagueness associated with terms such as ‘vulnerable’ conceals the structural nature of public health problems. We conclude that this vagueness can serve the political function of obscuring power relationships and limiting discussion of transformational change.
Climate change is increasingly understood to impact mental health through multiple pathways of risk, including intense feelings of grief as people suffer climate-related losses to valued species, ecosystems and landscapes. Despite growing research interest, ecologically driven grief, or 'ecological grief', remains an underdeveloped area of inquiry. We argue that grief is a natural and legitimate response to ecological loss, and one that may become more common as climate impacts worsen. Drawing upon our own research in Northern Canada and the Australian Wheatbelt, combined with a synthesis of the literature, we offer future research directions for the study of ecological grief.
This book provides a comparative analysis of policy instruments responding to climate change, drought and flood in relation to agricultural producers and their communities in four case study areas: Alberta, Canada, Saskatchewan, Canada, Coquimbo, Chile, and Mendoza, Argentina. Assessed through a lens of effectiveness, and adaptive governance, instruments advancing livelihood capitals of agricultural producers and identified and recommendations made to improve the suite of policy instruments are made.
Although climate change is mainly caused in industrialized nations, the impact of climate change has spread across the globe, among developing countries and the world’s most vulnerable populations. While the public health effects of environmental degradation and the resulting natural disasters are well-known, less is understood about their mental health impact and psychosocial well-being, and what types of interventions may best minimize the damage.
Climate Change and Human Well-Being identifies the psychological responses and mental health impacts that accompany gradual environmental change and extreme weather events, and explains how climate change exacerbates existing inequities. Painstakingly researched, with extensive worldwide findings and instructive examples from the experiences of those affected by climate-change, this groundbreaking volume also examines the potential for collaboration among diverse sectors of society in responding to environmental crisis. Experts provide guidance for researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and the humanitarian aid community as they:
• Explain the relationship between environmental crisis, socioeconomic stressors, and psychological distress .
• Discuss the impact of acute and chronic extreme weather conditions on mental health and well-being.
• Analyze the short-and long-term effects of climate change on specific populations, and environmental refugees.
• Identify implications of climate change for peace, conflict, and stability.
• Demonstrate the importance of cultural competence in relief efforts.
• Include recommendations at the local, national, and global levels.
Climate Change and Human Well-Being offers cross-cultural psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and professionals in related fields a greater understanding of complex issues, and new opportunities to engage in the emerging dialogue within and across the disciplines.
Significance
Suicide is a stark indicator of human hardship, yet the causes of these deaths remain understudied, particularly in developing countries. This analysis of India, where one fifth of the world’s suicides occur, demonstrates that the climate, particularly temperature, has strong influence over a growing suicide epidemic. With 47 y of suicide records and climate data, I show that high temperatures increase suicide rates, but only during India’s growing season, when heat also reduces crop yields. My results are consistent with widely cited theories of economic suicide in India. Moreover, these findings have important implications for future climate change; I estimate that warming temperature trends over the last three decades have already been responsible for over 59,000 suicides throughout India.
Objective:
To assess the differences between farming and non-farming rural adults in perceived barriers to mental health service use.
Design:
A cross-sectional survey, modified from the Barriers to Help-Seeking Scale (BHSS), was conducted using a computer-assisted telephone interview.
Setting:
Respondents (age 52.6 ± 11.6 years) were recruited from three rural regions of South Australia.
Participants:
Approximately, 78 non-farmers and 45 farmers were included in analyses. 78 retired and two unemployed participants were excluded from the analyses.
Main outcome measure:
Farmers and non-farmers were compared on domain scores and individual item responses from the adapted BHSS that represent 'agrarian' attitudes to support-seeking for mental health: stoicism, self-reliance, minimisation of the problem, stigma and distrust of health professionals.
Results:
In the analysis of domain scores, 'Need for Control and Self-Reliance' was a stronger barrier for farmers than non-farmers (P = 0.009) with a trend (P = 0.07) towards stronger barriers among farmers in the 'Minimising Problem and Resignation' domain. In the analysis of item-level responses, there was a difference (P = 0.03) between farmers and non-farmers in responses to 'I find it difficult to understand my doctor/health professional', with 24.4% of the farmers agreeing that this is a barrier compared with 15.3% of the non-farmers.
Conclusion:
Long-held stereotypes of stoicism and self-reliance among farmers were somewhat supported, in the context of mental health. Mental health services and professionals in rural Australia might need to adapt their practices to successfully engage this population.
IntroductionMental Health in the Scottish Highlands and Rural Community LifeCultural Geographies of Inclusion and ExclusionRural Proximities and DistancesDisrupting Rural Exclusions and Building CollectivitiesConclusion
Even when individuals are aware of and well educated about environmental issues such as climate change, they often take little action to mitigate these problems. Yet, catastrophic events, such as disasters, have the potential to rupture or disrupt complacency toward environmental problems, forcing people to consider the potential effects of human activity on the environment as they expose how environmentally harmful practices put people at risk. This article is based on focus group interviews with 46 residents of High River, Alberta, a rural community hardest hit by the 2013 Southern Alberta flood. It examines whether and how experiencing the flood prompted residents to think about the environment or interact with it in new ways. Findings suggest that residents voice a contradiction?while they believe that preflood human activity such as deforestation, river diversion, and home building altered the environment and placed communities like their own at risk, they also argue that natural forces such as disasters are immune to human efforts to control them. Residents feel their environment is less stable and predicable since the flood, and they worry more about toxicity and associated environmental health risks. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications of these findings for environmental sociology and public policy.
p> OBJECTIVE: In June of 2013, southern Alberta underwent flooding that affected approximately 100,000 people. We describe the process put in place for public health surveillance and assessment of the impacts on health.
METHODS: Public health surveillance was implemented for the six-week period after the flood to detect anticipated health events, including injuries, mental health problems and infectious diseases. Data sources were emergency departments (EDs) for presenting complaints, public health data on the post-exposure administration of tetanus vaccine/immunoglobulin, administrative data on prescription drugs, and reportable diseases.
RESULTS: An increase in injuries was detected through ED visits among Calgary residents (rate ratio [RR] 1.28, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–1.43) and was supported by a 75% increase in the average weekly administration of post-exposure prophylaxis against tetanus. Mental health impacts in High River residents were observed among females through a 1.64-fold (95% CI: 1.11–2.43) and 2.32-fold (95% CI: 1.45–3.70) increase in new prescriptions for anti-anxiety medication and sleep aids respectively. An increase in sexual assaults presenting to EDs (RR 3.18, 95% CI: 1.29–7.84) was observed among Calgary residents. No increases in infectious gastrointestinal disease or respiratory illness were identified. Timely identification and communication of surveillance alerts allowed for messaging around the use of personal protective equipment and precautions for personal safety.
CONCLUSION: Existing data sources were used for surveillance following an emergency situation. The information produced, though limited, was sufficiently timely to inform public health decision-making.</p
Objective:
To describe, within an ecologically grounded framework, key principles, and recommendations for community-level intervention to build community capacity and promote disaster resilience.
Method:
Using an ecological framework, this article describes community resilience and related constructs and key principles for community-level disaster preparedness and response.
Results:
Current research suggests the importance of focusing on bolstering resources that promote wellness and facilitate individual and community resilience in the face of disaster.
Conclusion:
We advocate for using an ecological framework grounded in such values as collaboration, social justice, empowerment, and an appreciation of diversity to guide disaster work with communities. We highlight the need to: (a) focus on building community-specific capacity for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery; (b) emphasize increasing the capacity and supportive potential of community members' natural settings to promote wellness; (c) address power and resource inequities; and (d) enhance capacity to ensure contextually and culturally appropriate structures, methods, and interventions.
Through a series of case studies this book brings to the fore the voices, lives, and capacities of people with mental health problems as well as the difficulties they face. It effectively demonstrates the ways people with mental health problems are active in re-scripting versions of social recovery through their use of very different community spaces. Offers a 'hopeful epistemology' not typically found in mental health-related research. Interrogates neo-liberal dogma that defines people with mental health problems as active social citizens wholly responsible for their own recoveries and acceptance. Brings to the fore the voices of, lives, capacities and difficulties facing people with mental health problems. Imaginatively differentiates rural, urban, interest and technological communities, disrupting familiar and conventional accounts of social inclusion and 'the local'. Demonstrates how people with mental health problems are active in re-scripting their own social recoveries through their use and understanding of different social spaces.
As the impacts from anthropogenic climate change are increasing globally, people
are experiencing dramatic shifts in weather, temperature, wildlife and vegetation patterns,
and water and food quality and availability. These changes impact human health and wellbeing,
and resultantly, climate change has been identified as the biggest global health threat
of the 21st Century. Recently, research is beginning to indicate that changes in climate, and
the subsequent disruption to the social, economic, and environmental determinants of health,
may cause increased incidences and prevalence of mental health issues, emotional responses,
and large-scale sociopsychological changes. Through a multi-year, community-led, exploratory
case study conducted in Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, Labrador, Canada, this research qualitatively
explores the impacts of climate change on mental health and well-being in an Inuit
context. Drawing from 67 in-depth interviews conducted between January 2010 and October
2010 with community members and local and regional health professionals, participants
reported that changes in weather, snow and ice stability and extent, and wildlife and
vegetation patterns attributed to climate change were negatively impacting mental health
and well-being due to disruptions in land-based activities and a loss of place-based solace
and cultural identity. Participants reported that changes in climate and environment increased
family stress, enhanced the possibility of increased drug and alcohol usage, amplified
previous traumas and mental health stressors, and were implicated in increased potential
for suicide ideation. While a preliminary case study, these exploratory findings indicate that
climate change is becoming an additional mental health stressor for resource-dependent
communities and provide a baseline for further research.
Each year, natural disasters threaten the strength and stability of communities worldwide. Yet responses to the challenges of recovery vary greatly and in ways that aren't always explained by the magnitude of the catastrophe or the amount of aid provided by national governments or the international community. The difference between resilience and disrepair, Daniel P. Aldrich shows, lies in the depth of communities' social capital. "Building Resilience" highlights the critical role of social capital in the ability of a community to withstand disaster and rebuild the infrastructure and ties that are at the foundation of any community. Aldrich examines the post-disaster responses of four distinct communities - Tokyo following the 1923 earthquake, Kobe after the 1995 earthquake, Tamil Nadu after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, and New Orleans post-Katrina - and finds that those with robust social networks were better able to coordinate recovery. In addition to quickly disseminating information and assistance, communities with an abundance of social capital were able to minimize the migration of people and resources out of the area. With governments increasingly overstretched and natural disasters likely to increase in frequency and intensity, an understanding of what contributes to efficient reconstruction is more important than ever. "Building Resilience" underscores a critical component of an effective response.
This chapter provides an overview of the projected impact of climate change (climate-induced processes such as temperature
rises, climate variability, and extreme weather events) and its relevance to human well-being, including mental health and
psychosocial factors. The role of climate change in exacerbating preexisting disparities and the role of psychologists and
social scientists are outlined. Complex interrelationships of both direct and indirect effects of climate change are discussed
to set the stage for a more detailed examination of the different aspects and implications for human well-being.
Nillumbik Shire Council, in partnership with La Trobe University, used the Municipal Public Health Planning process to develop an approach for building the resilience of local communities to climate-related stressors. The objective was to define an approach for building community resilience to climate change and to integrate this approach with the 'Environments for Health' framework.
Key published papers and reports by leading experts the field were reviewed. Literature was selected based on its relevance to the subjects of community resilience and climate change and was derived from local and international publications, the vast majority published within the past two decades.
Review of literature on community resilience revealed that four principal resource sets contribute to the capacity of communities to adapt in times of stress, these being: economic development; social capital; information and communication; and community competence. On the strength of findings, a framework for building each resilience resource set within each of the Environments for Health was constructed. This paper introduces the newly constructed 'Community Resilience Framework', which describes how each one of the four resilience resource sets can be developed within social, built, natural and economic environments.
The Community Resilience Framework defines an approach for simultaneously creating supportive environments for health and increasing community capacity for adaptation to climate-related stressors. As such, it can be used by Municipal Public Health Planners as a guide in building community resilience to climate change.
Rural residence may reduce access to specialized mental health services. The objective of this study was to examine the role of rural residence in relation to service utilization. Using Canadian data collected in 2002, service use was examined as a function of the presence of anxiety or mood disorders and rural/urban residence. Use of four different types of professional mental health services was examined in relation to rural residence and additional demographic, social, and health status factors known to predict use of services.
Data were obtained from Statistics Canada's Canadian Mental Health Survey Cycle 1.2. Rural residence was defined as living in a rural community with a population of 1000 or less. For all participants, associations between the presence of anxiety or mood disorders, rural/urban residence, and any service use or use of specialized mental health services (psychiatry and psychology) were examined. For participants who had used professional services, associations were examined between 17 predictor variables, including location of residence, and the use of four types of service providers (family doctor or GP; nurse, social worker, counsellor, or psychotherapist; psychiatrist; or psychologist). Predictors included demographic, social, and health status variables. Cross-tabulated counts and adjusted odds ratios with 99% confidence intervals based on bootstrapped variance estimates were used to evaluate predictors.
Among the total sample ( n = 35 140), 7.9% had used professional mental health services in the previous year. Among people who were likely to have had anxiety or mood disorders, rural or urban residence was not differentially related to past-year use of any professional services or specialized mental health services. Multivariate logistic regression was used to model factors predicting past year use of four different types of professional services. Location of residence was not a significant predictor of service utilization. Age, sex, race, level of education, degree of psychological distress, chronicity of distress, and the presence of anxiety or mood disorders predicted type of service used.
The notion that rural residence limits access to mental health services was not supported. Other demographic and health status indicators such as age, sex, race, education, distress, and type of illness were more important predictors of service utilization. However, null findings related to geographic residence must be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample of rural residents who sought mental health services. The mental health system in Canada must provide a variety of professional services in order to meet the preferences of diverse groups, and mental health specialists must find ways to adequately support general practice physicians and counsellors who provide mental health services.
To examine the role of stoicism, self-efficacy and perceived stigma in predicting help-seeking by rural residents, for mental health problems.
A cross-sectional community survey was conducted with a sample of 467 rural residents (58% female), who completed self-report questionnaires assessing current levels of symptomatology, disability, perceived stigma, self-efficacy, stoicism, attitudes towards and experience of seeking help for psychological problems.
Overall, 27.6% (n=129) of respondents had sought help from a general practitioner and/or mental halth professional for psychological problems or a mental health issue. More women than men reported having sought such help. Lifetime help-seeking for a psychological problem or mental health issue was positively associated with higher levels of distress and lower levels of stoicism and, to a lesser extent, lower levels of self-efficacy.
Efforts to improve help-seeking by rural residents for mental health problems should focus on understanding and addressing attitudes, such as stoicism which act as barriers to help-seeking.
Psychology and climate change - human perceptions, impacts, and responses. Psychology and climate change - human perceptions, impacts, and responses
- S Clayton
- C Manning
Promoting collective well-being as a means of defying the odds: Drought in the Goulburn Valley
- J M Congues
Climate change 2014: Synthesis report, contribution of working groups I, II and III to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
- R K Pacharui
- L A Meyer
Responding to a changing climate: An investigation of the psychosocial consequences of climate change and community-based mental health responses in High River
- K Hayes
Climate change, health, and equity: A guide for local health departments
- L Rudolph
- C Harrison
- L Buckley
- S North
Climate change and mental health: An exploratory case study from Rigolet
- Cunsolo Willox
- A Harper
- S L Ford
- J D Edge
- V L Landman
- K Houle