Search Results (324)

Climate change is a global crisis that disproportionately affects vulnerable agrarian communities, exacerbating food insecurity and health risks. This qualitative study explored the relationship between climate change and health in the following two rural sub-counties of Kilifi County, Kenya: Ganze and Magarini. In fall 2023, we conducted 16 focus group discussions with adolescent girls (14–17), young adults (18–30), and older adults (31+). Thematic analysis revealed that climate change adversely affects health through key social determinants, including economic instability, environmental degradation, limited healthcare access, food insecurity, and disrupted education. Participants reported increased food scarcity, disease outbreaks, and reduced access to medical care due to droughts and floods. Economic hardship contributed to harmful survival strategies, including transactional sex and school dropout among adolescent girls. Mental health concerns, such as stress, substance use, and suicidal ideation, were prevalent. These findings highlight the wide-ranging health impacts of climate change in agrarian settings and the urgent need for comprehensive, community-informed interventions. Priorities should include improving nutrition, reproductive and mental health services, infectious disease prevention, and healthcare access. Full article

Background: Early language development, a key predictor of later academic achievement, arises out of social interactions and communication. High-quality social and emotional interactions in early child care and education (ECCE) programs may therefore promote language-rich environments for young children. While culturally and linguistically minoritized communities face systemic barriers that limit equitable access to high-quality ECCE including social and emotional learning (SEL) programs, access to evidence-based SEL programs remains inequitable, disproportionately benefiting White, English-speaking, and higher-income ECCE providers. The current study aims to examine how I-T CHILD, a program designed to foster a climate that supports mental health and SEL in ECCE, improves the quality of the language environment using LENA technology. Methods: Implemented at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, 38 family child care providers located in an urban setting (63.2% Hispanic/Latine; 40% living in poverty) were randomly assigned to the 12-week I-T CHILD program or to the waitlist-control group. Data were analyzed using hierarchical linear modeling procedures. Results: Infants and toddlers cared for by I-T CHILD providers produced significantly more vocalizations (p = 0.002; ES = 1.50) and were exposed to significantly less media and electronic sounds (p = 0.032; ES = −0.97) than infants and toddlers in the waitlist-control condition. Conclusions: Our findings reinforce the importance of the mental health climate in ECCE and its circular effect on early language development. We offer key insights into how mental health climate interventions in ECCE settings can enhance language interactions, center the child, and foster foundational skills linked to long-term academic success for historically underserved populations. Full article

The National Adaptation Plan of Bangladesh identifies eleven climate-stressed zones, placing nearly 100 million people at high risk of climate-related hazards. Vulnerable groups such as the poor, floating populations, daily laborers, and slum dwellers are particularly affected. However, there is a lack of data on climate-sensitive diseases and related hospital visits in these areas. This study explored the prevalence of such diseases using the Delphi method through focus group discussions with 493 healthcare professionals from 153 hospitals in 156 upazilas across 21 districts and ten zones. Participants were selected by district Civil Surgeons. Key climate-sensitive diseases identified included malnutrition, diarrhea, pneumonia, respiratory infections, typhoid, skin diseases, hypertension, cholera, mental health disorders, hepatitis, heat stroke, and dengue. Seasonal surges in hospital visits were noted, influenced by factors like extreme heat, air pollution, floods, water contamination, poor sanitation, salinity, and disease vectors. Some diseases were zone-specific, while others were widespread. Regions with fewer hospital visits often had higher disease burdens, indicating under-reporting or lack of access. The findings highlight the need for area-specific adaptation strategies and updates to the Health National Adaptation Plan. Strengthening resilience through targeted investment and preventive measures is crucial to reducing health risks from climate change. Full article

Background: Amid growing concerns about climate crisis and its psychological toll, understanding how people find meaning through their connection to nature is increasingly important. The first aim of this study is to examine the association between Nature Relatedness (NR) and Meaning in Life (MIL). The second aim is to investigate if gender moderates this association and to explore how Jewish traditions influence gender differences in this relationship. Methods: A multi-methods design was employed. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling of prominent Jewish community figures, followed by snowball sampling via informant referrals. Thirty-five participants completed the Meaning in Life Questionnaire (MLQ) and the NR Scale. Two questions provided qualitative insights into participants’ personal interpretations and culturally grounded meanings of NR and MIL in the context of climate change and Jewish traditions. Results: Hierarchical multiple regression analyses assessed the main effects of NR and gender, as well as their interaction, on MLQ subscales. NR positively correlated with the MLQ Search dimension, indicating that individuals with stronger NR actively seek meaning in life. Gender moderated this relationship: NR did not correlate with MLQ Presence overall, but higher NR was linked to greater MIL presence among female participants. Thematic analysis of qualitative responses revealed gender-based variations and emphasized the role of Jewish teachings in connecting NR to cultural and religious practices. Conclusions: The findings point to the importance of cultural, religious, and gender factors in shaping the relationship between NR and MIL in a time of climate change crisis, offering implications for positive mental health research and culturally sensitive interventions. Full article

Purpose: Exercise is recommended for survivors of breast cancer to alleviate adverse reactions and reduce the psychological burden. In recent years, however, environmental factors (e.g., pandemics and climate change) have made it difficult to exercise outdoors. Therefore, this study focused on the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan and evaluated the relationship between changes in physical activity (PA) and mental and physical health in breast cancer survivors. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 345 outpatient female breast cancer survivors aged between 29 and 69 years. The questionnaire was based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Core Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale and included patient characteristics, changes in PA during pandemic restrictions, and needs for exercise support. The analysis categorized PA changes into two groups according to activity levels. The relationship between changes in PA and physical and mental health was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Results: Patients with decreased PA accounted for 65.5% of the study population. Regardless of their activity level, these patients were aware of an increased susceptibility to COVID-19, showed a fear of the disease and a tendency for depression, and reported low life satisfaction and declined physical function. Of the patients who stopped exercising, 82.9% reported a decline in PA. Compared with those who had never exercised, those who stopped exercising saw their risk of depression increase by 15.6%. There was a high demand for personalized exercise support from healthcare professionals. Conclusions: Regardless of their activity level, decreasing PA during the pandemic decreased mental health and physical function in breast cancer survivors. There was a higher risk of depression among patients who stopped exercising. Because it is possible that similar situations may occur in the future, interventions by healthcare professionals must be considered in order to continue exercise. Full article

The global rise in urban-related health issues poses significant challenges to public health, particularly in cities facing socio-economic crises. In Lebanon, 70% of the population is experiencing financial hardship, and healthcare costs have surged by 172%, exacerbating the strain on medical services. Given these conditions, improving the quality and accessibility of green spaces offers a promising avenue for alleviating mental health issues in urban areas. This study investigates the psychological impact of nine urban public spaces in Beirut through a comprehensive survey methodology, involving 297 participants (locals and tourists) who rated these spaces using Likert-scale measures. The findings reveal location-specific barriers, with Saanayeh Park rated highest in quality and Martyr’s Square rated lowest. The analysis identifies facility quality as the most significant factor influencing space quality, contributing 73.6% to the overall assessment, while activity factors have a lesser impact. The study further highlights a moderate positive association (Spearman’s rho = 0.30) between public space quality and mental well-being in Beirut. This study employs a hybrid methodology combining Research for Design (RfD) and Research Through Designing (RTD). Empirical data informed spatial strategies, while iterative design served as a tool for generating context-specific knowledge. Design enhancements—such as sensory plantings, shading systems, and social nodes—aim to improve well-being through better public space quality. The proposed interventions support mental health, life satisfaction, climate resilience, and urban inclusivity. The findings offer actionable insights for cities facing public health and spatial equity challenges in crisis contexts. Full article

Certain industries will bear a disproportionate share of the burden of climate change. Climate change risk perceptions can impact workers’ mental health and well-being; increased climate change risk perceptions are also associated with more favourable adaptive attitudes. It is, therefore, important to understand whether climate risk perceptions differ across workers between industries. We conducted an online survey of British Columbians (16+) in 2021 using social media advertisements. Participants rated how likely they believed their industry (Natural Resources, Science, Art and Recreation, Education/Law/Government, Health, Management/Business, Manufacturing, Sales, Trades) would be affected by climate change (on a scale from “Very Unlikely” to “Very Likely”). Ordinal logistic regression examined the association between occupational category and perceived industry vulnerability, adjusting for socio-demographic factors. Among 877 participants, 66.1% of Natural Resources workers perceived it was very/somewhat likely that climate change would impact their industry; only those in Science (78.3%) and Art and Recreation (71.4%) occupations had higher percentages. In the adjusted model, compared to Natural Resources workers, respondents in other occupations, including those in Art and Recreation, Education/Law/Government, Management/Business, Manufacturing, Sales, and Trades, perceived significantly lower risk of climate change-related industry impacts. Industry-specific interventions are needed to increase awareness of and readiness for climate adaptation. Policymakers and industry leaders should prioritize sectoral differences when designing interventions to support climate resilience in the workforce. Full article

The global youth mental health crisis is increasingly intertwined with climate change, as young people experience heightened climate anxiety and ecological grief. This study examines the relationship between nature connectedness, climate worry, coping strategies, and mental health outcomes among Canadian university students. Drawing on Pihkala’s process model of eco-anxiety, we propose the Developing Ecological Consciousness Model, a three-act framework that traces young people’s journey from climate awareness to meaningful engagement. Using path analysis on two independent samples (N = 1825), we found that nature connectedness predicts increased climate worry, which in turn correlates with higher levels of depression and anxiety. However, meaning-focused coping emerged as a protective factor, mitigating these negative mental health impacts. Problem-focused coping alone was insufficient, highlighting the need for balanced strategies. The study underscores the dual role of nature connectedness—both as a source of climate distress and a foundation for resilience. These findings highlight the need for interventions that foster ecological consciousness while addressing the emotional toll of climate change, offering insights for policymakers, educators, and mental health practitioners working with youth in a warming world. Full article

Climate change disrupts lives globally and poses significant challenges to mental health. Although several scales assess climate anxiety, many either conflate symptoms with coping responses or fail to adequately capture the core symptomatology of anxiety. Hence, this study aimed to develop and validate the Brief Anxiety Scale for Climate Change (BACC), a self-report measure designed to assess symptoms of climate anxiety. A preliminary pool of 21 items was generated based on the diagnostic criteria for generalized anxiety disorder and climate-related stress. Study 1 (n = 300) explored the factor structure via an exploratory factor analysis while Study 2 (n = 400) independently validated the structure via a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Analyses of the internal consistency, content validity, and discriminant validity helped refine the scale to a final 13-item version with two factors: cognitive and functional impairment. The CFA results indicated that all the fit indices met the recommended thresholds, and the final version demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.92). Additionally, latent correlations revealed that climate anxiety was moderately associated with generalized anxiety and depression. The BACC was developed to identify individuals in the community who experience climate anxiety beyond an adaptive level, thereby promoting sustainable mental health in the context of climate change. These findings suggest that the BACC is a promising tool for assessing climate anxiety. With better identification, mental health professionals, community practitioners, and policymakers can utilize the scale to develop climate-sensitive public health programs and tailored intervention strategies. Full article

Like other mega cities in China, Beijing is undergoing a large-scale urban renewal process. However, in the context of global warming and the goal of promoting human health and well-being, urban renewal should follow the principle of minimal intervention, draw inspiration from the condition of the climate and environment itself, and pursue the goal of common health and development between humans and non-human beings. This study takes the Panjiayuan Antique Market as the research object. Unlike previous studies that focused on the behavior patterns of vendors and buyers, this study focuses on the increase in users’ expectation on environmental thermal comfort when the Panjiayuan Antique Market transforms from a conventional commercial market into an urban public space. This study aimed to find a minimal intervention strategy suitable for urban public space renewal from the perspective of the microclimate, encouraging people to use outdoor public spaces more, thereby promoting physical and mental health, as well as social well-being. We used a mixed-methods approach comprising microclimate measurements, questionnaires (n = 254), and field measurements. Our results show that the mean radiant temperature (T_mrt) is the key factor that affects thermal comfort, and it is a comprehensive concept that is associated with other microclimate factors. Linking the quantitative sun-related factors, such as the solar position angle (SAA), the shadow area ratio (SAR), and direct sun hours (DSHs), we also found that the correlation between the T_mrt and physical spatial characteristics, such as the ratio of the visible sky (SVF), the aspect ratio (H/W), and orientation of the building layout, helped us to generate design strategies oriented by regulating microclimate, such as controlling thermal mass/radiant heating, solar radiation, and air convection. One of the significances of this study is its development of a design method that minimizes intervention in urban public spaces from the perspective of regulating the microclimate. In addition, this study proposes a new perspective of promoting people’s health and well-being by improving outdoor thermal comfort. Full article

This article presents a structured review of literature published between 2015 and 2025 on the experiences of rural LGBTQIA+ youth. Using targeted search terms—including “LGBT*,” “rural,” “country,” “young people,” “sexual and gender minority (SGM),” “small town,” “youth,” and “students”—a research team identified 26 peer-reviewed articles that met inclusion criteria. Through team-based thematic analysis, six core themes emerged: (1) gaps in intersectional analysis, (2) mental health outcomes, (3) culturally responsive services and resources, (4) community climate and context, (5) experiences of victimization, and (6) policy. Across these themes, the review highlights the resilience, agency, and strength of LGBTQIA+ youth navigating rural environments. The literature consistently demonstrates how experiences of victimization are closely linked to mental health outcomes, while access to social support—particularly from affirming adults in systems (such as schools)—can mitigate harm and foster well-being. Implications for social work research, practice, and policy are discussed, with an emphasis on supporting LGBTQIA+ youth in U.S. Southern rural settings. Full article

This study used an equity ethic framework and a STEM identity model to contextualize and understand Latine students’ perceptions of STEM identity development. The purpose of this study was to investigate how Latine undergraduate students who engaged in STEM coursework perceived their learning experiences and stories of resilience through an equity ethic framework. Data were collected through interviews with 19 Latine college students attending a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Findings revealed the following themes related to Latine students’ STEM identity development and lived experiences in STEM coursework: implicit biases, imposter syndrome, self-efficacy, and support system and resources. Findings highlight the need for institutions of higher education to promote Latine students’ self-efficacy to positively influence STEM identity development while addressing systemic issues, such as implicit biases and imposter syndrome to create safe, growth-enhancing educational climates for students with minoritized identities. We provided implications to cultivate Latine students’ STEM identity development through inclusive teaching and learning practices that foster equitable learning environments as well as institutional resources that support students’ mental health and resilience. Implications of this study can be modeled at HSIs to positively influence STEM identity development and increase Latine students’ persistence in STEM fields. Full article

Climate change represents a complex and multifaceted challenge for health systems, particularly in the African region, where the research has predominantly focused on physical health impacts while overlooking critical mental health dimensions. Our central hypothesis is that integrating culturally adapted mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into climate resilience frameworks and disaster response planning will significantly reduce psychological distress (e.g., anxiety, depression, and trauma) and enhance adaptive capacities among both mainstream and migrant communities in disaster-prone African regions. This rapid review methodology systematically explores the intricate relationships between climate change, mental health, and migration by examining the existing literature and identifying significant information gaps. The key findings underscore the urgent need for targeted research and strategic interventions that specifically address mental health vulnerabilities in the context of climate change. This review highlights how extreme weather events, environmental disruptions, and forced migration create profound psychological stressors that extend beyond immediate physical health concerns. This research emphasizes the importance of developing comprehensive adaptation strategies integrating mental health considerations into broader climate response frameworks. Recommendations emerging from this assessment call for immediate and focused attention on developing specialized research, policies, and interventions that recognize the unique mental health challenges posed by climate change in African contexts. We also note the current limitations in the existing national adaptation plans, which frequently overlook mental health dimensions, thereby underscoring the necessity of a more holistic and nuanced approach to understanding climate change’s psychological impacts. In this exploratory study, we intended to provide a crucial preliminary assessment of the complex intersections between climate change, mental health, and migration, offering valuable insights for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals seeking to develop more comprehensive and responsive strategies in an increasingly challenging environmental landscape. Full article

Rising workloads and institutional pressures in higher education threaten lecturers’ mental health, yet few studies explore how university climate and self-efficacy contribute to their positive mental health (PMH). This study employed a cross-sectional survey to investigate the mediating role of lecturers’ self-efficacy in the relationship between university climate and lecturers’ PMH. A total of 357 responses were collected from English major lecturers in Chinese higher education institutions through an online survey with convenience sampling. Data were collected via an online questionnaire using validated scales: the School Climate Inventory (SCI-5) for school climate, the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) for self-efficacy, and the Positive Mental Health Scale (PMH) for mental health. The results indicated that all five dimensions of university climate—Collaboration (β = 0.122, p < 0.05), Student Relations (β = 0.163, p < 0.01), School Resources (β = 0.12, p < 0.05), Decision-Making (β = 0.11, p < 0.05), and Instructional Innovation (β = 0.325, p < 0.001)—positively influenced lecturers’ self-efficacy, with instructional innovation having the most significant impact. Moreover, self-efficacy significantly enhanced lecturers’ PMH (β = 0.27, p < 0.001) and partially mediated the relationship between university climate and lectures’ PMH (VAF = 20–80%). The findings highlighted the importance of fostering an innovative and supportive university climate while enhancing self-efficacy to promote faculty well-being. Future studies can further extend the results of this study through institutional and individual development strategies. Full article

This article explores the importance of integrating socio-emotional competencies into the formal education of adolescents to promote sustainable development. It argues that social and emotional learning (SEL) not only enhances personal and academic well-being, but also facilitates the building of more resilient and sustainable communities. A scoping review was conducted using a qualitative methodology based on document analysis through matrix-based reviews. The 49 selected studies were analyzed in relation to the personality facets of the Big Five (OCEAN) model. The results of the interventions show improvements in self-efficacy, empathy, motivation, school climate, bullying reduction, and the prevention of mental health issues. It is concluded that a more holistic approach is needed, combining SEL with character education to achieve lasting impacts. Furthermore, interventions must be sensitive to cultural contexts and the specific realities of each school community. Full article