Climate change concerns impact on young Australians’ psychological distress and outlook for the future

Aims: Climate change is escalating and will disproportionately affect young people. Research on the mental health consequences of worry or concerns related to climate change are so far limited. This study aims to evaluate the extent of climate change concern in young people aged 15–19, its association with various demographic factors and its impact on psychological distress and future outlook. Understanding the impact of climate concerns on young people's mental wellbeing is crucial for identifying effective measures and building resilience. Methods: Climate concerns, psychological distress, and future outlook were measured in the 2022 Mission Australia Youth Survey, Australia's largest annual population-wide survey of young people aged 15 to 19 (N = 18,800). Multinomial logistic regression models were used to map factors associated with climate concerns and assess whether climate concerns are associated with psychological distress and future outlook. Results: One in four young people reported feeling very or extremely concerned about climate change. Climate concerns were higher among individuals identifying as female or gender diverse, or who self-reported a mental health condition. After controlling for confounding factors, we found those who were very or extremely concerned about climate change to be more likely to have high psychological distress than those not at all concerned (Relative risk ratio (RRR) = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.56–2.11), and more likely to have a negative future outlook (RRR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.27–1.81). These associations were stronger among participants who reported to be gender diverse, Indigenous or from outer-regional/remote areas. Conclusion: This study identified associations between climate concerns, psychological distress, and future outlook among young people. Immediate attention from research and policy sectors to support climate change education, communication strategies and targeted interventions is urgently required to mitigate long-term impacts on young people's wellbeing.</p

Interrelationships between social exclusion, mental health and wellbeing in adolescents: insights from a national Youth Survey

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental phase during which young people are vulnerable to the experiences of mental ill-health and social exclusion (consisting of various domains including education and employment, housing, finances and social supports and relationships). The aims of this study were to: (i) obtain an understanding of the relationships between social exclusion, mental health and wellbeing of young people; and (ii) identify potentially modifiable targets, or population groups that require greater or targeted supports. Methods: Data was obtained from the Mission Australia 2022 Youth Survey, Australia’s largest annual population-wide survey of young people aged 15-19 years (n=18,800). Participants’ experiences of social exclusion in different domains were explored (e.g., prevalence, co-occurrence, and controlling for differences in demographic characteristics). Multivariable linear regression models were used to map the relationships between social exclusion domains and mental health and wellbeing, controlling for confounding factors where necessary. Results: 60% of all young people experienced social exclusion in at least one domain, 25% in multiple. Young people who identified as gender diverse, Indigenous, living in a remote/rural or socioeconomically disadvantaged area, and with a culturally diverse background were more likely to report social exclusion. A strong association was seen between all domains of social exclusion and poor mental health (e.g., higher psychological distress and loneliness, reduced personal wellbeing, reduced sense of control over their life, and a more negative outlook on the future). Notably, difficulties in socialising and obtaining social support were critical factors linked to increased psychological distress and reduced wellbeing. Conclusions: Findings underscore the need to address multiple domains of social exclusion concurrently, and in collaboration with youth mental health care. Prevention efforts aimed at early identification and intervention should be prioritised to support young people vulnerable to social exclusion. Screening approaches are needed to identify individuals and groups of young people in need of support, and to facilitate care coordination across multiple providers

Help-seeking experiences and barriers to mental health support for adolescents experiencing mental ill-health and social exclusion

Background: Adolescence is a critical period for mental health; a significant portion of mental health disorders emerge during this time. Social exclusion represents the absence of opportunities for full participation in society and is a key determinant of mental health. This study aimed to better understand the help-seeking experiences of young people facing co-occurring social exclusion and mental ill-health focusing on where young people sought support, barriers they had experienced in seeking such support, and their preferences for mental health supports. Methods. Data from the 2022 Mission Australia Youth Survey (N=18,800) were analysed, from a subset of 9,743 young people aged 15-19 who reported having needed mental health support. Self-response to questions regarding four domains of social exclusion (housing, finances, relational, education/employment), demographic characteristics, psychological distress and help-seeking behaviours (perceived need, mental health supports, barriers to access, preferences) were included. Relationships between social exclusion domains, mental health concerns and help-seeking behaviours (access, barriers and preferences) were explored using logistic regression models controlling for demographic factors and psychological distress. Results. Only 58.1% of participants reported having sought mental health support (n=5,565). Social exclusion domains were associated with different help-seeking behaviours. Housing challenges were associated with higher help-seeking (OR:1.28; 95%CI: 1.15-1.42); relational difficulties and edu-employment issues with lower (OR:0.75; 95%CI: 0.68, 0.83 and OR:0.82; 95%CI: 0.75, 0.89). Stigma, confidentiality concerns, cost, and not knowing where to seek help were common barriers to help-seeking, with those experiencing social exclusion more likely to report these. Young people generally preferred face-to-face support, but those facing relational difficulties were more open to online support. Conclusions. This study highlights the additional needs and challenges faced by young people dealing with both social exclusion and mental ill-health. The barriers to seeking help are stronger for these young people and more concerted efforts to reduce stigma, improve mental health literacy, and increase access to trusted information sources, need to be developed to address these barriers. Further research and initiatives need to focus on the structural factors that socially exclude young people and exacerbate inequitable access to mental health services