About the speaker: Dr. Audrey-Ann Deneault is an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department at the Université de Montréal, Canada. Her research examines how current social and societal factors influence children and their mental health. Dr. Deneault notably examines the influence of climate change on children’s and youth’s mental health. She is passionate about empowering families and youth with disseminated knowledge to enact positive change in their lives.
Empowering Resilience: Strategies and Tools for Supporting Child and Youth Mental Health in the Climate Crisis
Description: As the impact of climate change deepens, an increasing number of children and youth are experiencing significant psychological distress related to the climate crisis. With 78% of Canadian youth reporting that climate change affects their mental health and 37% stating it impairs their daily activities, the need for effective support strategies has never been more urgent. This presentation will begin with a survey of the scientific literature concerning the psychological impact of climate change on young people. We will explore a range of climate-related emotional responses, including eco-anxiety and climate worry, and discuss the factors that may intensify or mitigate these feelings. In the second part, we will introduce an innovative toolkit designed to aid educators, psychologists, other professionals, and youths themselves in supporting the mental health of children and youth during the climate crisis. This toolkit, which was based on a collaborative effort involving researchers, youths, parents, and health professionals, provides practical strategies and resources to foster resilience and emotional well-being in young individuals facing environmental stressors. Join us to learn how you can play a pivotal role in nurturing a resilient younger generation equipped to face a changing world.
By attending this workshop you will:
- Gain a better understanding of the varied psychological effects of climate change on children and youth, including identifying key emotional responses such as eco-anxiety and climate worry.
- Learn to recognize factors that can exacerbate or mitigate climate-related distress among children and youth, empowering you to tailor interventions more effectively.
- Acquire practical skills in using the toolkit to support young people’s mental health, enabling you to implement strategies that foster resilience and emotional well-being in children and youth.
