How are young people in the UK experiencing and engaging with concerns around climate change?

Background: Research in climate psychology has identified that some young people are very concerned about climate change and/or experience ‘climate anxiety’. This thesis uses Q methodological analysis to move beyond an anxious/not-anxious spectrum, constructing nuanced and holistic accounts of some ways that young people are experiencing and engaging with concerns around climate change.

Method/Rationale: A literature review, semi-structured online interviews, plus pilot studies informed the development of a sixty nine statement Q-set. Thirty two young people completed online Q-sorts using collaborative whiteboard software (thirty Q-sorts were retained). Each participant was interviewed online after completing their Q-sort.

Q methodological analysis of participant responses was undertaken using PQMethod. Three factors were identified, then online focus groups were undertaken with thirteen of the original participants to explore what engagement and/or support they felt would be helpful.

Findings: Three distinctive perspectives (factors) were identified:

1. Environmental and humanitarian concern, whilst feeling hopeful, supported, and interconnected with others.
2. Fear towards the future, with a sense of urgency that large changes are needed to avert climate catastrophe.
3. Frustration and resignation that climate catastrophes may be inevitable, with a focus on adaptation.

Focus group participants emphasised the importance of feeling that their school staff and families listen to and respect their concerns. They also expressed desires for emotional support and collaborative engagement.

Discussion: All participants held significant concerns, but displayed different ways of coping with them, often relating to their levels of hope and psychological distance from the issues. Recommendations are made for systemic support.