Anxiety and resilience responses to climate change disasters are influenced by conditions related to the event, the individual, the family, and the communityNatural disasters due to climate change have become increasingly frequent and severe. Studies examining the impact of these disasters on mental health have been conducted in communities across the globe. This paper provides a summary of the related literature, a discussion of different factors influencing anxiety and resilience responses to natural disasters, and suggestions for future research. While outcomes related to anxiety were emphasized, other stress-related disorders (including depression and PTSD) were also considered.
Studies included in this review indicate that most individuals maintain resilience in response to climate disasters. Only a few people exhibit chronic distress. Anxiety and resilience responses appear to be influenced by different factors across domains, including the disaster, the individual, the family, and the community. Pathways of resilience to natural disasters are discussed in relation to three dimensions: (1) factors of climate disasters (such as whether the exposure to the disaster affects one directly or indirectly and if one's exposure is acute or chronic); (2) individual factors (such as demographics, prior experiences, economic resources, emotion regulation, and social support); and (3) family and community factors (such as interpersonal and societal cohesion, rates of employment, and crime).
People at greater risk for heightened psychological distress post-disasters than others include people living in rural areas, with lower socioeconomic status, and relying on the land for their livelihood. Older people and children are also at greater risk for heightened psychological distress post-disasters. Children are considered “more vulnerable, showing more extreme psychological impairments and less frequent resilient outcomes compared with adults following natural disasters.” Women and girls exhibit higher levels of distress than do men and boys. Conditions putting children more at risk include “missed school, reduced academic achievement, interrupted social connection, and increased exposure to stressors.” Perceived danger to the lives of family members is also a risk factor for subsequent mental illness.
The most impactful protective factors against disaster-related mental illness for families include “access to and integrity of social, emotional, and concrete supports” and strong community cohesion. Factors supporting resilience include “reunion and connectedness of families, restoration of family routines, resumption of school, and maintenance of cultural practices.”
Suggestions for further research on mental health interventions to climate-change disasters include (1) identifying which individuals or groups would benefit most from interventions, and (2) determining optimal ways to deliver and increase the efficacy of interventions.
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