CLIMATE CHANGE EMOTIONS AND FUTURE PLANNING AMONG CANADIAN ADOLESCENTS: EXPLORING CONNECTIONS TO EXISTENTIAL ANXIETY

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the emotional reactions and future-oriented thinking of children and adolescents in the context of climate change. Climate change is often referenced as an existential threat, yet this is under researched. 24 Canadian adolescents, aged 15 – 18 years, participated in online focus groups were conducted around the following discussion points: 1) the emotions Canadian adolescents are feeling in response to climate change; and 2) how or if climate change is impacting how Canadian adolescents think about their futures. An inductive (explorative) to deductive (theory-driven) thematic analysis methodology was used. 25 emotional responses and 11 themes surrounding how climate change is or is not impacting future-oriented thinking were identified. Existential themes appear to be an applicable framework to understand these experiences. Implications for mental health professionals who work with children and adolescents are discussed as well as recommendations for future research.