A systematic review of the effects of chronic, slow-onset climate change on mental health.

ABSTRACT: The mental health effects of weather-related disasters are well characterized, yet less is known about the effect of chronic, slow-onset climate change. We systematically reviewed qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods studies (57 were included) that investigated the effects of slow-onset climate change on a range of mental health indicators. Droughts, changing temperatures over time and local perceptions of ecosystem changes were the most studied slow-onset conditions. Several quantitative studies noted adverse mental health outcomes associated with these exposures, Including depression and anxiety symptoms, suicide and non-specific psychological distress. Qualitative studies further elucidated negative emotions related to chronic climate change, including worry, grief and frustratio

SUBMITTER: Burrows K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12520228 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature