Introduction: Climate change impacts mental wellbeing through complex pathways and young people are among the most vulnerable to climate-related anxiety. Minding our Futures used methods from systems science to explore this issue and identify actions to promote mental wellbeing for young Australians (18-24 years).
Methods: This qualitative study used Group Model Building via three online facilitated workshops recruiting health, youth and climate practitioners and researchers engaged with young people around climate change and/or mental wellbeing (N = 14). Analysis created a systems map and rich description of the relationships between causal factors and their impact on young people.
Results: Three themes emerged; "Government, Services and Structures" highlighted underlying structural issues including capitalism and political powerlessness; "Social Norms, Communication and Taking Action" reflected social media and misinformation; and "Personal Experience of Environmental Disasters" described the impact of climate-related disasters and importance of nature and place connection. Participants specified connections between the themes and mental health outcomes.
Conclusion: This novel applied translational research process supported key informants to design structural responses to a complex and critical public health issue. Their vision was a multi-faceted approach, co-led with young people, drawing on Indigenous knowledges and change-focused policy, community empowerment and nature-based interventions.
Keywords: Australia; Interdisciplinary; Mental health; Systems thinking; Young people.
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