Psychosocial Health Impacts of Climate Activism: Exploring the Perspectives and Experiences of Youth Climate Activists

Abstract

Participation in climate activism is a widespread activity, of great importance, to many youth in Canada. However, the impact of participation in climate activism upon the psychosocial health of youth climate activists isn’t well documented or understood. To address this gap, this thesis explores dimensions of psychosocial health as experienced by youth activists, resulting from their participation in climate activism. Data was collected through two methods: a scoping review of existing studies on the psychosocial impact of participating in activism upon youth activists, and eleven individual semi-structured interviews with youth climate activists in Canada. Six major themes emerged within the results of the scoping review, including: 1) wellbeing; 2) emotions; 3) social connections and support; 4) working together and skill development; 5) development of purpose; and 6) empowerment. Further, six major themes emerged within the results of the individual interviews, including: 1) the impact of climate change upon psychosocial health; 2) the impact of climate activism on psychosocial health; 3) success and emotions; 4) social connections and community; 5) beliefs and values; and 6) empowerment. The findings of this research emphasize that participation in climate activism can impact the emotions of youth both positively and negatively, and that youth may experience strongly positive social impacts through their activism. Participation in climate activism may support the empowerment of participating youth. Keyes’ Mental Health Continuum (2002) and Kieffer’s Theory of Empowerment (1984) provide further critical frameworks for interpretation and meaning-making of the research results. The findings of this research provide youth climate activists, and related parties, a greater understanding of how participation in climate activism impacts the psychosocial health of youth climate activists – thereby empowering these groups to better support the psychosocial health of youth participating in climate activism.