The Psychological Impact Of Climate Change On Mental Health: A Study Of Anxiety, Depression And Trauma In Communities Affected By Environmental Disasters

Main Article Content

Adeoye Ayodele O.(Phd)
Ayodele Kolawole O (Phd)
FILADE Bankole
Nwangburuka Adekemi
Diedinne Achunche (Phd)
Amao, Omolola
Arogundade Tolawanimi

Abstract

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a significant threat to global health, with far-reaching consequences for mental health and well-being, particularly in communities affected by environmental disasters. This paper investigated the psychological impact of climate change on mental health: A study of anxiety, depression and trauma in communities affected by environmental disasters. A sample of 481 individuals who had experienced environmental disasters was selected through the purposive random sampling technique. Research instruments used include Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire 9-item scale (PHQ-9) and Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ). Three hypotheses were formulated and tested by means of simple linear regression analysis at the .05 level of significance. Results revealed significant impacts of climate change on anxiety (t = 10.296, p < .0005), depression (t = 8.459, p < .0005) and trauma (t = 13.836, p < .0005). It is therefore recommended, among others, that communities affected by environmental disasters should have access to mental health support services that specifically address anxiety, depression and trauma.

Article Details

How to Cite
Adeoye Ayodele O.(Phd), Ayodele Kolawole O (Phd), FILADE Bankole, Nwangburuka Adekemi, Diedinne Achunche (Phd), Amao, Omolola, & Arogundade Tolawanimi. (2022). The Psychological Impact Of Climate Change On Mental Health: A Study Of Anxiety, Depression And Trauma In Communities Affected By Environmental Disasters. Journal for ReAttach Therapy and Developmental Diversities, 5(1), 352–357. https://doi.org/10.53555/jrtdd.v5i1.3680
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Articles
Author Biographies

Adeoye Ayodele O.(Phd)

School Of Education And Humanities, Department Of Education, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. Nigeria

Ayodele Kolawole O (Phd)

School Of Education And Humanities, Department Of Education, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. Nigeria

FILADE Bankole

School Of Education And Humanities, Department Of Education, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. Nigeria

Nwangburuka Adekemi

Student Support Services, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo

Diedinne Achunche (Phd)

Texila American University, School of Research, Guyana, South America.

Amao, Omolola

Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti

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