Date of Conferral
10-29-2024
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Psychology
Advisor
Susana Verdinelli
Abstract
Animal agriculture, the second-largest contributor to climate change, poses serious risks to human and global health. Animal/environmental activists work to reduce these risks but often face verbal ridicule and physical violence; however, little is known about the psychological suffering experienced by this group. This interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) aimed to explore the experience of psychological suffering in animal/environmental activists committed to ending exploitative animal agriculture and environmental activities. Ecopsychological theory and psychological constructs, such as eco-anxiety, eco-grief, and vicarious trauma, comprised the conceptual framework for this study. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 18 animal/environmental activists, incorporating participant-selected photographs into the discussions. Principles of IPA were used to analyze the content of the interviews and photographs. Six central themes emerged, indicating that animal/environmental activists experience profound psychological anguish due to the suffering of animals in industrial agriculture, societal conflicts, and severe environmental destruction caused by animal farming. Activists' intense despair and grief are worsened by anxiety and distress over the lack of effective action on these issues. The results of this study could drive positive social change by raising awareness of the psychological suffering of animal/environmental activists, contributing to trans-species psychology and ecopsychology, and highlighting the interconnectedness of animal welfare, environmental health, and human well-being, ultimately informing mental health practices and policy changes.
Recommended Citation
Jimenez, Pamela, "The Lived Experience of Psychological Suffering in Animal/Environmental Activists" (2024). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 16512.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/16512
