Climate-related distress: Psychometric properties of measures and fit with the Power Threat Meaning Framework

Systematic literature review

Forty studies assessing seven measures of climate-related distress were systematically reviewed. The COSMIN appraisal tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the studies and the psychometric properties of the measures. Constructs of climate-related distress varied. Content validity was poor for most measures due to the methods of development. Inconsistent results for structural validity were found for the most commonly used measure. Selection of the most appropriate measure for use should be informed by the construct of interest or other features of the measure. Further research is required utilizing more varied samples and across all psychometric properties. New or existing measures would benefit from qualitative research with a target group of participants to inform the development of the item set, improve issues with content validity, and ensure the measurements are the most useful for their purpose.

Empirical research project

The Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF) offers an alternative perspective on climate-related distress to terms such as ‘climate anxiety’. Serial semi-structured interviews were held with eight UK-based climate activists to co-construct PTMF narratives. Thirty interviews were analysed with template analysis. Activists’ experiences could be mapped onto operations of power (what has happened to activists), threats (to activists’ core needs), meanings (activists’ understandings of their experiences), threat responses (survival strategies) and strengths (access to power resources that help activists’ survive). Findings highlighted the complex experiences of engaging in activism, which is affected by power and presents a range of threats to core needs, yet also serves as a threat response and power resource for survival. Climate-distress is understandable given the reality of the climate crisis and pathologization risks decontextualizing and minimizing distress. The psychological professions have a duty to engage with the crisis and advocate for systemic and societal change to prevent total climate breakdown.