Clinical Psychologists’ experiences and perceptions of the climate crisis and activism in the UK, a qualitative study

Dakin, Ellyse (2024). Clinical Psychologists’ experiences and perceptions of the climate crisis and activism in the UK, a qualitative study. University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

Background: The threat of climate change to physical and mental health is becoming widely acknowledged. Many clinical psychologists are recognising the relevance of the climate crisis within their professional roles, with the Association for Clinical Psychologists (ACP) and the British Psychological Society (BPS) encouraging psychologists to engage with climate activism. Despite this, there is no literature documenting clinical psychologists’ experiences and perceptions of the climate crisis and climate activism. This qualitative study aims to address this gap in the literature.

Method: Ten participants completed online qualitative surveys. The data were analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA). The study adopted a critical realist epistemology.

Findings: Four key themes were generated through the analysis, namely, Connection, Moving beyond awareness, Power, politics and leadership, Knowledge, dilemmas and dichotomies. Three barriers and two facilitators to climate activism were also identified.

Discussion: The findings are discussed in relation to existing research, and clinical implications are considered. These highlight the importance of embedding teaching on the climate crisis into clinical psychology training, foregrounding social justice and voices from the Global South, and the need for greater leadership and visibility on this topic. The strengths and weaknesses of the present study are discussed, and recommendations for future research are suggested.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):