Background: Any human behavior is considered as the function of person and environment. This is applicable to natural and built-in besides perceived and real environment. However, we hardly realize the influence of the natural environment on the well-being of the individuals. Changes in physical health are visible, while changes in mental health are hidden. Hence the present study aims at identifying the mental health issues and risks due to climate change. Method: Phenomenological approach was used in the present study. Semistructured interview schedules for conducting in-depth interviews were the main sources of data collection. Using a convenient sampling technique, 120 individuals (male-61; female-59) residing in and around Chennai were selected between the age range of 21 and 60 years for data collection. Results: Thematic analysis was carried out. Various themes like physical, psychological, and social changes due to climate change emerged. Participants reported climate change had brought changes in both physiological (abdomen pain, gastrointestinal problems, frequent headache, insomnia, etc.) and psychological (anxiety, irritation, apathy, self-blame, etc.) functioning. However, no difference was observed with different age groups and gender. Conclusion: The study implied the importance of conducting research on mental health risks with experimental research design to prove cause and effect relationship. It also implied the need for developing intervention to improve internal emotional balance so that the influence of the external environment can be minimized.
Elsevier, Impact of Climate Change on Social and Mental Well-Being, 2024, Pages 75-89
