The research explores the association between climate change anxiety and mental health issues in expectant mothers. The study, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods, indicates that concerns about the future impacts of climate change contribute to increased levels of prenatal worry and depression in pregnant women.
This shift in focus towards mental health stems from the growing recognition of the psychological strain caused by climate-related events. The term “climate change anxiety” describes the anticipatory anxiety and existential fear arising from the perceived threat of climate change.
The research, involving 103 expectant women, found that climate change anxiety significantly predicted higher levels of prenatal depression and worry. The study also revealed deep-seated concerns among participants about the future world their children would inhabit, reflecting broader existential anxiety about environmental sustainability. The findings suggest that climate change anxiety is an additional potential stressor during the antenatal period and should be considered in routine antenatal healthcare. The study highlights the need for further research to confirm the findings and explore the impact of climate change anxiety on diverse populations.