Effects of extreme weather events on child mood and behavior

Abstract

Extreme weather events (EWEs) are increasing in frequency and severity as the planet continues to become warmer. Resulting disasters have the potential to wreak havoc on the economy, infrastructure, family unit, and human health. Global estimates project that children will be disproportionately impacted by the changing climate – shouldering 88% of the related burdens. Exposure to EWEs in childhood is traumatic, with ramifications for mental health specifically. Symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety have all been associated with childhood EWE exposure and have the potential to persist under certain circumstances. Conversely, many childhood survivors of EWE also demonstrate resilience and experience only transient symptoms. While the majority of studies are focused on the effects resulting from one specific type of disaster (hurricanes), we have synthesized the literature across the various types of EWEs. We describe psychological symptoms and behavior, the potential for long‐term effects, and potential protective factors and risk factors. Climate change‐related phenomena such as extreme weather events (EWEs) have the potential to impact mood and behavior in children. Posttraumatic stress (PTS) is the most common mental health consequence in child survivors of EWEs. PTS is often comorbid with depression and/or anxiety in this group.

Cyclone Idai–related losses and the coping strategies of adolescent survivors in the Odzi community of Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe

“…Although adolescents are vulnerable to disasters, they are not passive victims as observed by their ability to activate personal coping mechanisms (Peek, 2008). Considering the finding by Barkin et al (2021) that children will be disproportionately affected by climate change, developing intervention strategies tailored to support adolescents during and after disasters is important.…”

“…Despite worldwide estimates that children will be disproportionately affected by climate change, researchers have historically overlooked adolescents’ disaster experiences (Barkin et al, 2021; Peek, 2008). There are few documented postdisaster studies in Africa making the impact of disasters generally less understood (Rataj et al, 2016).…”

Advances in stress and depression research

“…Given the link between stressful life events and depression, it is unsurprising that rates of depression have increased following these events [4], particularly given that symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) mediate the association between early stress exposure and depressive symptoms [5] and share overlapping mechanisms (e.g., experiential avoidance, rumination) [6,7]. Indeed, elevated depression is associated with adverse pandemic-related life events [8], climate change-driven crises such as wildfires and hurricanes [9,10], and specific instances involving violence against people of color [11]. These wide-reaching events and the associated stress people experienced have caused major challenges to global mental health.…”

Editorial: Perinatal mood symptoms and postpartum maternal functioning: Describing the evidence related to effective and ineffective interventions

“…In fact, the World Bank recently issued a report estimating that more then 200 million people are likely to be displaced due to climate change/extreme weather events (EWEs) over the next 30 years ( 19 ). We also know that women and children are vulnerable subgroups and are disproportionately affected ( 20 ). As the climate crisis intensifies, more pregnant and postpartum women will be impacted economically, socially, mentally, and physically.…”