Date of Conferral

4-24-2025

Date of Award

April 2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Health

Advisor

Srikanta Banerjee

Abstract

Understanding the connection between climate change awareness and overall well-being is crucial, particularly regarding its impact on the environment and mental health. However, there is a need for more research on this topic, especially within the American context. The mental health implications of climate change are not yet fully understood, and there is a gap in the literature. This gap was addressed by exploring climate change awareness effects on mental health among U.S. adults. The social ecological model provided a framework to examine the impact of climate change awareness on mental health, considering individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors. This quantitative, cross-sectional study used the Health Information National Trend Survey-6 dataset. Regression analyses revealed that individuals with climate change awareness have an adjusted odds ratio of 1.392 (1.160–1.671) for depression or anxiety compared to those without awareness. The association between climate change awareness and depression or anxiety showed that gender was a statistically significant, albeit weak, predictor for females (AOR = 1.294, CI: 1.010-1.658), and not predictive for males (AOR = 1.036, CI: 0.764-1.405). Lastly, individuals with climate change awareness have an adjusted odds ratio of 1.677 (CI: 1.422-1.978) for worrying compared to those without awareness. These three manuscripts collectively highlighted a clear link between greater climate change awareness and increased psychological distress. Despite the mental health challenges posed by awareness of climate change, the potential for positive social change exists, as collective action and climate literacy can transform eco-anxiety into eco-action, fostering resilience and empowerment through community engagement.

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