“There is no hope; only strong wind”: How climate change impacts adolescent mental health in southern Madagascar

Abstract

Introduction

Climate change threatens children's and adolescents' health worldwide, but there is limited evidence of its effects on mental health in the low- and middle-income countries which are most affected. We focus on southern Madagascar to elucidate pathways through which climate change impacts mental health.

Materials and Methods

In this preliminary study, we collected survey (n = 83; 49 female) and focus group (n = 48; 28 female) data from 10 to 24-year-olds (M = 15.3).

Results

Adolescents were extremely anxious and depressed, with high climate anxiety. Adolescents indicated that climate changes influenced mental health through loss of household resources, uncertainty about the future, and disruption of coping mechanisms.

Discussion

Climate changes exacerbated the existential threats faced by the adolescents. In Madagascar, our results tentatively suggest that interventions and policies should address food and water security, promote adaptive farming practices, and build resources for coping.

Conclusion

Climate changes are having a profound impact on adolescent mental health in southern Madagascar. The mechanistic links through which these impacts occur may be different than in other, more frequently studied contexts. Research examining these pathways in more depth in Madagascar is urgently needed.