PSYNOPSIS CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUE - Canadian Psychological Association
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VOLUME 43 ISSUE 2 2021 PSYNOPSIS PSYNOPSIS CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUE ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE IN CANADA: THE IMPORTANCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE PAGE 6 ECOLOGICAL GRIEF PAGE 10 PSYCHOLOGY AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT PAGE 22 LINDSAY J. MCCUNN, PHD GUEST EDITOR
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2 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2 ● 2021
PSYNOPSIS CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE
THE OFFICIAL
MAGAZINE
OF THE CANADIAN
PSYCHOLOGICAL
ASSOCIATION
CLIMATE CHANGE ISSUE
EDITORIAL
Editor in Chief Karen R. Cohen
Managing Editor Carly Brockington
Advertising Kathryn McLaren
Design/Production Adam Ashby Gibbard Message from the Guest Editor 04
BOARD 2020-2021
President Kimberly Corace, PhD, CPsych Addressing Climate Change in Canada 06
Past President Ian R. Nicholson, PhD, CPsych
President-Elect Ada Sinacore, PhD
Acting on the Climate Crisis 09
Directors Jean Saint-Aubin, PhD
Shelley Goodwin, PhD, RPsych
Kerri Ritchie, PhD, CPsych
Ecological Grief 10
Elizabeth Church, PhD, RPsych
David Danto, PhD, CPsych Eco-Anxiety and the Six Existential Anxieties 12
Laurie Ford, PhD
Alejandra Botia, MA
Clinical Notes:Revisioning the Self in Psychotherapy 14
to Support Awakening in the Ecological Crisis
Partners CCDP - Sandra Byers, PhD
CCPPP - Kerri Ritchie, PhD, CPsych
CSBBCS - Randall Jamieson, PhD
Compassionate Reflections about Eco-Anxiety 16
CPAP - Judi Malone, PhD, RPsych
When Rural Communities Tackle
the Challenge of Climate Change 17
Chief Executive Officer Karen R. Cohen, PhD, CPsych
Deputy Chief Lisa Votta-Bleeker, PhD
Executive Officer
Getting to Sustainable Living 18
Psynopsis is proud to announce that as of Vol 42.4 we have
switched to using more environmentally-friendly vegetable-based Psychology’s Influence on Climate 20
ink, 100% recycled material for the pages, and 10% recycled Change in Rural and Northern Canada
content for the cover pages.
SUBMISSIONS Corrigendum: In the print version of
Vol 42.1, the affiliations of the following
Psychology and the Natural Environment 22
Please send your
articles to authors of the article "Stepped Care
psynopsis@cpa.ca. 2.0" on page 8 should have appeared
Please visit as follows: Terri-Lynn MacKay, PhD,
Faculty, Stepped Care Solutions and
From Climate Stories to Climate Actions 24
cpa.ca/psynopsis for
additional submission Josh Rash, PhD, Assistant Professor,
details and editorial Memorial University of Newfoundland.
guidelines. We regret the error. New Dragons of Inaction Discovered 26
The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) retains copyright
of Psynopsis. The contents of any article published therein, by
other than an officer, director or employee of the CPA, are strictly
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions
CPA Highlights 28
ofthe Canadian Psychological Association, its officers, directors,
or employees.
You’ve Heard About Spreading Activation… 30
CANADA PUBLICATION
But How About Spreading Forgetting?
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PUBLICATION Virtual Conferences of the Interamerican Society of 31
AGREEMENT 40069496 Psychology and the Puerto Rico Psychology Association
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In Memoriam: David Richard Evans (1940 - 2021) 32
ISSN 1187-11809
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2 ● 2021 3
CLIMATE CHANGE
eco-anxiety—a new and important facet for clinical psychologists to
be aware of—and one concerning sustainable living and climate
action at both the individual and community level. These two themes
seem to indicate a pattern about what Canadian psychologists are
seeing, hearing, and considering in their current practice.
Most articles in the special issue fall within the theme of eco-anx-
iety. One piece by Carolyn Zwicky- Pérez titled “Acting on the Climate
Crisis,” describes how closely feelings of environmental worry relate
to a state where one feels a severe lack of safety and security in the
world—sometimes so severe that clients in her clinical practice report
experiences akin to trauma. She calls for psychologists to take fears
about the state of the environment seriously; this sentiment is shared
by Mark Shelvock in his article about ecological grief. He discusses
the complexities of simultaneously feeling grief and guilt about cli-
mate change, and that it may become urgent for psychologists to
explore best practices for clinically supporting those experiencing
deep environmental loss.
Another piece that fits within the theme of eco-anxiety is by Paul
Lutz, outlining how eco-anxiety relates to Passmore and Howell’s six
MESSAGE FROM existential anxieties: identity, happiness, meaning in life, death, free-
THE GUEST EDITOR
dom, and isolation.2 Paul notes, as others have, that fostering a connec-
tion to nature, and valuing individual-level behaviours, are important
for finding a sense of empowerment during anxiety. This message is
LINDSAY J. not dissimilar from what Dr. Kimberly Sogge relays in her article titled
MCCUNN
“Clinical Notes: Revisioning the Self in Psychotherapy to Support Awakening
in the Ecological Crisis.” In it, she offers words from a recent conversa-
tion that represents what she hears often as a clinician speaking with
PHD, VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY individuals who are experiencing eco-anxiety. She then discusses
notions from Buddhist psychotherapy practices as tools to place the
F
self in context with the climate emergency. Kimberly’s article also
For over a year, public health emergencies brought on by references the Fact Sheet that myself, Dr. Robert Gifford, and Alexan-
the COVID-19 pandemic have held the attention of indi- der Bjornson published on the CPA’s website about anxiety and cli-
viduals around the world. For some people, the ways in mate change. It can be accessed here, if you would like more
which this pandemic has changed lives and livelihoods may information: cpa.ca/docs/File/Publications/FactSheets/FS_
seem to surpass or neutralize concerns about the climate. For oth- Climate_Change_and_Anxiety-EN.pdf
ers, the direct and indirect effects of COVID-19 on the systems of
society, whether they are acute or persevering, may merge with The last piece in this issue’s overarching theme of eco-anxiety is by
existing fears about the state of the environment, and how these Sarah MacKay, titled “Compassionate Reflections about Eco-Anxiety.”
anxieties are being addressed by governments and communities. The notion that we are able to “soften” habitual ecological worrying
But COVID-19 has not lessened the effects of climate change on by acknowledging that advances in technology, government commit-
the planet.1 For this reason, I have been happy to spend the last few ments, and public attitudes have been (and continue to be) made. She
months guest editing this special issue of Psynopsis that addresses the argues that nurturing in ourselves a level of positivity and trust may
discipline of psychology and climate change. I hope to draw some be helpful in supporting our capacity to engage with climate activism
of our attention back to this global problem—not to compound fears and to model effective pro-environmental behaviours.
of the future but, rather, to remind us of the many positive and
productive influences that the discipline of psychology has on how The second broad theme of sustainable living and climate action
we understand, shield against, and brace for climate change. emerges through three articles related to group and individual-level
concepts. In their article titled “Getting to Sustainable Living: The Indi-
During my four-year tenure as Chair of CPA’s environmental psy- vidual within Complex Collective Problems,” Dr. Loraine Lavalee and
chology section, I have been involved in many emotional and intel- Louisa Hadley point out how difficult it can be for consumers to
lectual conversations about the state of the world as it relates to cli- understand the extent to which buying common goods, like food
mate change. This special issue presents only a glimpse of the insight items, will impact the environment. They explain that although poli-
that Canadian psychologists have about the environment and what cies that help individuals feel knowledgeable and efficacious can moti-
they can do about it as professionals. vate sustainable behaviours, the problems arising from climate
change are, in fact, collective—and that coordinated group action,
This issue contains eleven articles submitted by individuals rather than voluntary behavioural changes by individuals, will lead
researching and practicing psychology across the country. To to a stronger “culture of sustainability.”
me, the articles coalesce into two broad themes: one concerning
4 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2 ● 2021
CLIMATE CHANGE
Two other articles fit within this theme and both relate to col-
lective action in rural communities. In their article titled “When
Rural Communities Tackle the Challenge of Climate Change, What Facil-
PSYNOPSIS
itates Collective Action?”, Amanada McEvoy, Chelsie Smith, and
Drs. Kathryne Dupré and Shawn Kenny review the results of their
recent study in which residents of rural settings in Ontario were
asked about their understanding of climate change and its risks, as CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE
well as their willingness to support community-based adaptation
measures. Residents who felt more attached to their rural commu-
nity (as well as those who had a better understanding of the mean- Psynopsis is the official magazine of the Canadian Psycho-
ing of climate change) tended to feel more strongly that something logical Association. Its purpose is to bring the practice, study
could still be done to address climate change in their area. The and science of psychology to bear upon topics of concern
positive tone of this article intersects with the piece submitted on and interest to the Canadian public. Each issue is themed
behalf of the CPA’s Rural and Northern Section by Dr. Amanda and most often guest edited by a psychologist member of
Lints-Martindale, Dr. Shelley Goodwin, and Dr. Jolene Kinley CPA with expertise in the issue’s theme. The magazine’s
titled “Psychology’s Influence on Climate Change in Rural and Northern goal isn’t so much the transfer of knowledge from one
Canada: Our Choices Matter.” The authors explain that climate psychologist to another, but the mobilization of psycho-
change may negatively affect the mental health of Canadians liv- logical knowledge to partners, stakeholders, funders,
ing in the rural North because of pre-existing challenges related to decision-makers and the public at large, all of whom have
the landscape and under-resourced social and physical infrastruc- interest in the topical focus of the issue. Psychology is the
ture. However, they also emphasize that these specialized and study, practice and science of how people think, feel and
adaptable communities possess many strengths that can position behave. Be it human rights, health care innovation, climate
change, or medical assistance in dying, how people think,
them as leaders as we strategize how to take collective action
feel and behave is directly relevant to almost any issue,
toward sustainability. policy, funding decision, or regulation facing individuals,
families, workplaces and society. Through Psynopsis, our
You will find that the article by Dr. Katherine Arbuthnott titled hope is to inform discussion, decisions and policies that
“Psychology and the Natural Environment” goes beyond the two main affect the people of Canada. Each issue is shared openly
themes. She touches some of the many health benefits that exposure with the public and specifically with government depart-
to nature can offer and concludes that protection and preservation of ments, funders, partners and decision-makers whose work
natural settings is critical to bolster the psychological facets of mitigat- and interests, in a particular issue’s focus, might be informed
ing and adapting to climate change. She also expresses this effort as by psychologists’ work. CPA’s organizational vision is a
a responsibility of psychologists to improve human wellbeing. society where understanding of diverse human needs,
behaviours and aspirations drive legislation, policies and
Another piece that blends the distinct themes and ideas in this programs for individuals, organizations and communities.
issue is one by Helia Sehatpour titled “From Climate Stories to Climate Psynopsis is one important way that the CPA endeavours
Actions: Using Stories to Create Social Change.” It communicates that to realize this vision.
when we reimagine the heroes of the story of the environmental
movement to be all of us, we can create stronger social action. I am
also grateful that one of Canada’s most well-known environmental
psychologists, Dr. Robert Gifford, offered a brief summary of how
his informative and popular list of Dragons of Inaction has changed
and grown over the nine years since it was first published in American
Psychologist.
Finally, a copy of the recently published position paper titled
“Addressing Climate Change in Canada: The Importance of Psy-
chological Science” is included in this special issue. In 2019, I was
asked by CPA’s CEO, Dr. Karen Cohen, to form a task force and Lindsay McCunn PhD is a Professor of psychology at Vancouver Island Uni-
compile a brief but persuasive outline of literature that could inform versity and the Director of the Environmental Psychology Research Lab. She
a set of expert recommendations for government to address climate chairs the environmental psychology section of the Canadian Psychological
change with psychology in mind. Myself, along with Dr. Robert Association and is an Associate Editor for the Journal of Environmental
Gifford, Dr. Jennifer A. Veitch, Dr. Katherine Arbuthnott, Dr. Jiay- Psychology and Cities & Health. Lindsay examines people-place relations in
ing Zhao, Paul Arnold-Schutta, Charlotte Young, and Nicole Jardine a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, correctional centers, offices, and
produced a document that has now been accepted by CPAs Board neighbourhoods. Her work has been published in a number of interdisciplinary
and published on CPA’s website. journals and she is often invited to speak at international events that focus on
theoretical and practical intersections between applied psychology, urban plan-
I hope you will agree that this special issue of Psynopsis is a culmi- ning, and architecture.
nation of many forms of effort to communicate one clear point: Cana-
dian psychologists care about the climate crisis—and we are here to FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF REFERENCES,
learn and to help. PLEASE GO TO CPA.CA/PSYNOPSIS
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2
1 ● 2021 5
CLIMATE CHANGE
ADDRESSING
CLIMATE CHANGE
IN CANADA:
THE IMPORTANCE
OF PSYCHOLOGICAL
SCIENCE
A POSITION PAPER OF THE CANADIAN
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
APPROVED BY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
– JANUARY 19, 2021
Prepared by:
Lindsay McCunn, PhD, Chair
Robert Gifford, PhD
Jennifer A. Veitch, PhD
Katherine Arbuthnott, PhD
Jiaying Zhao, PhD
Paul Arnold-Schutta, MA
Charlotte Young, MA
Nicole Jardine, BSc
6 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2 ● 2021
CLIMATE CHANGE
T
he Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) is the The Impact of Human Behaviour
national association for the science, practice, and on the Environment
education of psychology in Canada. The CPA’s
vision is a society where understanding of diverse • Individuals are more likely to take pro-environmental action
human needs, behaviours and aspirations drive leg- when they know what to do and believe that they can do it.
islation, policies and programs for individuals, organizations and
communities. We aim to accomplish this by advancing research, • Those who hold more materialistic values have lower wellbe-
knowledge and the application of psychology in the service of ing, and are less likely to hold pro-environmental attitudes and
society through advocacy, support and collaboration. behave eco-consciously. However, individuals who affiliate
with others, and have a sense of community, and have greater
The CPA is committed to working with government, and other wellbeing behave in more pro-environmental ways.
health and science stakeholders, to advocate for evidence-based
policies that best meet the needs of the public it serves. In this posi- • Many individuals tend to justify their behaviours, which can
tion paper, the CPA draws upon the science and practice of psy- limit good intentions toward the environment. Recognizing
chology, particularly in the areas of mental health, environmental this can be important for overcoming barriers to climate
psychology and behaviour change, to inform how Canada responds action.
to climate change threats.
• It can be difficult for many people to understand their own
Societal responses to climate change include limiting the carbon footprint. It is also challenging for consumers to
degree of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, identify products that are the least and most environmen-
mitigating the effects of climate change, and adapting to new tally harmful.
conditions. Psychological science is key to the success of these
efforts. Research findings in the field of environmental psychol- • Developing a sense of global identity can motivate people to
ogy demonstrate how natural and built settings affect human act in pro-environmental ways.
health and wellness and how human behaviour and individual
decision-making in turn affect the natural and built environ- The Impact of the Natural Environment
ment. An understanding of human behaviour and decision-mak- on Mental Health and Wellbeing
ing must inform government policies that aim to conserve
nature, promote energy-efficient building practices, and help • Natural landscapes increase positive emotions and reduce
Canadians make environmentally sustainable decisions in all negative emotions.
their activities.
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2 ● 2021 7
CLIMATE CHANGE
• Living near to a natural landscape • Emphasize that climate change, and its • Recognize and reward those individu-
reduces the risk of depression, anxi- many impacts, is happening now als and organizations who make extra-
ety, and stress in the long-term. Chil- everywhere . ordinary efforts toward environmental
dren who live near to nature cope sustainability.
better with stress and develop psy- • Increase public literacy about environ-
chological resilience. Those who do mental issues so that consumers better • Ensure that risk management and
not grow up near nature are more understand how the products they use emergency preparedness plans follow-
likely to be diagnosed with an emo- affect the environment. ing a climate event support the dis-
tional illness later in life. placement and relocation of people, as
• Empower and support, rather than well as the delivery of mental health
• How often one encounters a natural frighten, people into changing their and crisis responses services.
landscape is more important to behaviour towards the environment.
mental health than how much time Use visual images to talk about 3. Federal, provincial, and territorial
is spent in it. Green spaces should be climate change and ones that are not governments support research that
widely distributed in cities and overtly frightening. Promote hope, not addresses the relationship between
towns, accessible to residents of all despair. health, wellbeing, human behav-
ages and abilities. iour and climate change with par-
• Show the important personal, social, ticular attention to:
• Contact with nature increases pro-so- and economic benefits of climate-posi-
cial behaviours like helpfulness and tive actions. • Social norms, pro-environmental atti-
generosity, and improves attention, tudes, and environmentally-adaptive
working memory, and self-control. • Foster a global identity—the environ- behaviours at the individual, commu-
ment depends on the collective action nity, corporate, and national levels and
• Successful community-based, of all the planet’s people. how these can promote effective pro-
culturally-responsive disaster grams and policies that reduce carbon-
preparedness programs integrate • Promote the importance of the natural producing behaviours.
emotional and mental health factors. environment to human health and
wellbeing. • Cross-cultural research on values and
The Impact of the Built Environment factors that can create a stronger cul-
on Mental health and Wellbeing • Remind citizens that every climate- ture of nature conservation in Canada.
positive action helps.
• Most people spend most of their time • Increase our understanding of how to
indoors and buildings significantly 2. Climate policy undertaken by fed- prepare individuals to cope with
affect behaviour, health, and well-be- eral, provincial and/or territorial extreme climate events.
ing. Green buildings (those designed governments must:
according to the principles of the • The complex relationship between cli-
Green Building movement) enhance • Be informed by psychological science mate change and mental health,
satisfaction with the environment and so that climate change programs, including how to treat climate-related
sleep quality, and those who visit, live, national building codes, regulations, mental health problems (e.g. eco-anxi-
or work in them find them more vis- and incentive programs for energy-effi- ety, stress disorders following an envi-
ually and physically pleasing. Some cient technologies, are based on the lat- ronmental event).
studies suggest that green buildings est understandings of human behav-
positively affect job satisfaction and iour and behaviour change. • How to increase climate change liter-
employer-assessed productivity. acy among Canadians.
• Preserve and protect natural land-
• While technologies exist to dramati- scapes and parks in all areas of the • Identifying barriers to pro-environ-
cally reduce building energy use, more country, including those in urban mental behaviour that hinder the pro-
research is needed to ensure that inte- areas. Natural areas significantly bene- climate choices of individuals, organi-
rior conditions in buildings that use fit mental health and well-being for zations, and communities.
these technologies support the well- individuals, families and communities.
being of those who use them. • Rigorously evaluating ways in which
• Ensure that energy-efficient indoor set- communities can help individuals and
Because of these and other tings support health and well-being as organizations engage in environmen-
key research findings, the CPA defined by the World Health Organi- tally sustainable behaviour.
recommends that: zation1, and that such policies be
included in the National Energy Code of
1. Communications to the public, by Canada for Buildings and the National
federal, provincial and territorial Building Code of Canada.
governments, about human behav- FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF REFERENCES,
iour and the environment should: PLEASE GO TO CPA.CA/PSYNOPSIS
8 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2 ● 2021
CLIMATE CHANGE
ACTING ON THE
CLIMATE CRISIS
CAROLYN ZWICKY-PÉREZ
Lecturer in Counselling,
Memorial University of Newfoundland
W
e are living in a climate cri- the most basic of human needs: safety and immediacy and urgency of the situation.
sis. Clients come to my security. For an increasing number of popu- Nevertheless, this denial prevents communi-
office with feelings of anxi- lations, the climate crisis also threatens the ties from being prepared and empowered
ety, sometimes akin to need for food and shelter. The shelter in this over their future. It fuels isolation and desper-
trauma, about this crisis. It is not these situation does not refer to a house, a neigh- ation in community members who accept
clients who worry me—it is those who con- bourhood, or even a country. It refers to the the reality of extreme climate change.
tinue to live as though Australia hadn’t shelter provided by a global environment—
burnt, as though forest fires didn’t yearly by our planet—and it is under threat. Psychologists have a responsibility to
rage in the West, and extreme tempera- speak out about this crisis as a united field.
tures and flooding didn’t threaten the East, Rather than giving a label to those who We must inform governments and policy
as though Canada wasn’t warming twice as accept this threat, I believe that we should makers that a failure to address the climate
fast as other countries. It is the term “cli- recognize that the absence of interest in this crisis may result not only in further ecological
mate anxiety” that makes me lose sleep. issue is a crisis of cognitive dissonance and devastation but also in the division of com-
Indeed, being anxious, depressed, and denial. Compartmentalization is useful in munities. We ought to communicate that the
traumatized by the evidence-based possi- times of upheaval to help us work toward various facets of the crisis may result in an
bility of the loss of one’s environment solutions, and to avoid being paralyzed by increase of depression, anxiety, and trauma
seems an appropriate response. fear while there is still hope. Complete disre- in community members, particularly in pop-
gard and disinterest in the matter, however, ulations with fewer means to avoid systemic
Psychologists often discuss the fight-flight- is similar to watching television while the consequences of an erratic climate. We must
freeze mechanism with clients and encour- house is burning down. Denial as a defense not contribute to individuals feeling disen-
age them to understand fear so that they may mechanism is, to me, the issue that psycholo- franchised and powerless. The climate crisis
be calm. However, we certainly would not gists must tackle with clients and with the affects our clients and our society. Just as
encourage clients to reduce this natural population at large. People who deny that a different professionals and policy makers
response if they were actively in danger. If we problem exists will continue to work and to have a responsibility to be honest and cre-
consider Maslow’s pyramid of needs, it can potentially avoid the anxiety and depression ative about this situation, so too do the stew-
be observed that the climate crisis threatens that may affect those who understand the ards of a society’s mental health.
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2 ● 2021 9
CLIMATE CHANGE 10 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2 ● 2021
CLIMATE CHANGE
ECOLOGICAL
GRIEF Other potential losses may arise through
MARK SHELVOCK climate change, and it is appropriate to con-
Certified Thanatologist (CT), MA; MACP
Candidate at Yorkville University ceptualize our psychological suffering as
grief and loss. Many human beings have a
O
genuine relationship to the Earth and its liv-
ur lives are often shaped and ing beings—grief is simply the price we pay
moulded when we experi- for attachment and love. However, ecologi-
ence loss. Loss is when a per- cal grief is also non-finite in nature, meaning
ception changes because of a that no known end to the loss itself exists.4
serious and shattering life event and, ulti- Individuals may continue to find themselves
mately, when it is impossible to return to in a state of chronic sorrow and grief for not
the status quo.1,2 Grief is the natural and only what has already occurred, but what is
instinctive human response to loss,1,2 and to come, and the temporality of ecological
we are often able to identify loss when a grief is essential for understanding its com-
beloved partner, family member, friend, plex nature. Ecological grief is also perplex-
or pet dies. However, loss can also occur ing because human beings are the cause of
when a person experiences any form of the ongoing climate breakdown. This
relationship dissolution, struggles with a means that people can grieve for something
loss of faith or meaning in their life, they are collectively responsible for.
suffers from the loss of one’s job during a
global health crisis, or even when one Ecological grief can be further amplified
experiences a myriad of losses from the by the experience of disenfranchised grief—
ongoing climate breakdown. grief that is not socially supported, acknowl-
edged, and minimized by one’s social net-
Ecological, environmental, or climate work or broader community.5 People who
grief is becoming an increasingly recognized experience ecological grief may be disen-
term within professional grief counselling cir- franchised because acknowledging the exis-
cles, as many people are grieving both tangi- tence of environmental grief threatens con-
ble and intangible losses associated with:3,4 temporary industry practices. Indeed, capi-
talistic values are often embedded with
•The loss of ecosystems and wildlife strong social messages, such as consuming
as much as possible, or that leaving dimen-
•The loss of homes, communities, mate- sions of existence unexamined equates to
rial possessions, and economic stability having a better life.6
from acute natural disasters
However, unconscious consumerism has
•The loss of traditional knowledge associ- the potential to cause a great deal of harm
ated with environmental systems, par- to all life, as is evident with the current cli-
ticularly for indigenous communities, mate crisis. Perhaps ecological grief high-
workers in the natural resources indus- lights the urgency to develop new form of
try, and scientists social thought about our response to climate
change. Understanding the nuanced experi-
•The loss of sense of self, identity, culture, ence of ecological grief, and how to best clin-
lifestyle, employment, and spirituality ically support grieving individuals with
from changing landscapes and uninhab- respect to these complex losses will likely
itable environments become an increasing area of research and
practice within professional psychology as
•The loss of certainty, trust, and faith in the climate crisis continues to accelerate.
the future, as there is anticipatory grief
and anxiety towards future ecological- FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF REFERENCES,
related losses. PLEASE GO TO CPA.CA/PSYNOPSIS
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2 ● 2021 11CLIMATE CHANGE
ECO-ANXIETY
AND THE SIX
EXISTENTIAL
ANXIETIES
PAUL K. LUTZ
Master’s Student, Department of Psychology,
Carleton University
HOLLI-ANNE PASSMORE
PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of
Psychology, Concordia University of Edmonton
ANDREW J. HOWELL
PhD, RPsych, Professor, Department
of Psychology, MacEwan University
12 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2 ● 2021CLIMATE CHANGE
S
cientists from diverse disciplines human psychological need that, when met, pressures of day-to-day life. One aspect of
overwhelmingly agree that cli- contributes to greater happiness and overall eco-anxiety entails coming to terms with
mate change is one of the most well-being. Although eco-anxiety should the idea that as human development con-
serious issues facing the world not be viewed as a pathology, feeling anx- tinues to expand into wilderness areas,
today. Indeed, many people have directly ious about climate change is fundamentally opportunities to experience the sense of
experienced the harmful effects of climate distressing, which in itself negatively freedom that nature has to offer will be
change through encounters with extreme impacts our happiness. As climate change reduced. Such a loss of “nature-inspired
weather events. At the same time, growing continues to affect our ability to connect autonomy” is existentially unsettling.
evidence suggests that anxiety stemming with thriving natural environments and to
from the awareness of climate change can increase our levels of eco-anxiety, our hap- Climate change has proven to be a polar-
also have notable impacts. This phenome- piness hangs in the balance. izing issue, helping to make the experience
non is known as eco-anxiety—feelings of of eco-anxiety a lonely one. Some may not
anxiety, worry, or doom regarding envi- One critical aspect of meaning in life is a wish to discuss their negative feelings about
ronmental change and degradation. sense of coherence—feeling as though one’s climate change in order to avoid potential
Although any form of anxiety can become life and experiences make sense. Nature has confrontation or ridicule.1 Being unable to
so severe that professional help may be long provided us with feelings of order and confide in others can make coping with eco-
required, eco-anxiety captures a rational permanence; however, we are currently expe- anxiety difficult. Our disconnection from
response to a real threat. riencing an era of environmental change that nature also enhances our loneliness and is
defies comprehension. When we are unable ultimately at the heart of our broken
It has been argued that fostering our to render our experiences as coherent, our human-nature relationship.
innate tendency to engage with nature helps perception of meaning is ill-affected.
to alleviate six existential anxieties that all Climate change and feelings of eco-anxi-
humans grapple with: identity, happiness, Robert Jay Lifton wrote of various forms ety can affect us through multiple avenues—
meaning in life, death, freedom, and isola- of symbolic immortality or aspects of our life including our deep-seated existential anxi-
tion. Here, we explore how feelings of eco- that remain after death. Three of these forms eties of identity, happiness, meaning in life,
anxiety signal that our relationship with are relevant to this discussion of eco-anxiety. death, freedom, and isolation. When cop-
nature is suffering and how this is heighten- First, the biological mode entails leaving a ing with eco-anxiety, acknowledging its
ing our six existential anxieties. legacy of children and grandchildren behind presence is a crucial first step. Following
us; however, eco-anxiety is making some peo- this, connecting with others about climate
Writers such as Rollo May have sug- ple hesitant to have children. The natural change and fostering our connection with
gested that human identity is forged and experiential transcendent modes cap- the natural environment are likely to be
through connections with animal and non- ture, respectively, the perception that the vital. Lastly, engaging in pro-nature actions
animal life. For example, people often con- environment around us will remain long (e.g., walking, cycling, or taking public tran-
sider their childhood experiences in nature after we are gone, and that we feel at one with sit rather than traveling by private vehicle)
as central to the development of their iden- the larger-than-human natural world. Unfor- to help mitigate the impacts of climate
tity as adults. Yet, our connections with tunately, species extinctions and the destruc- change will be imperative. Although cli-
nature are increasingly challenged, as biodi- tion of the environment continue. The loss of mate change is a social problem that neces-
versity loss and species extinctions steadily nature as a key source of symbolic immortal- sitates societal and global attention, an
rise. Feelings of eco-anxiety may indicate ity leaves us with one fewer resource to effective response must incorporate individ-
that our self-identities are threatened. address our anxiety over our finitude. ual-level behaviours.1
A rich scientific literature exists suggest- Nature and freedom are closely linked. FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF REFERENCES,
ing that affiliating with nature is a basic Many people retreat to nature to escape the PLEASE GO TO CPA.CA/PSYNOPSIS
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2 ● 2021 13CLIMATE CHANGE
CLINICAL *T
he Zoom link clicks on and
I see the furrowed brow of
an undergraduate student.
NOTES
Today her bodily tension is
palpable. Her voice is tight
with tension.
REVISIONING THE SELF “I had to call you because I was having
panic attacks all week and could not
IN PSYCHOTHERAPY TO sleep. I watched that documentary on
Netflix, the one about the environment.”
SUPPORT AWAKENING IN “The one by David Attenborough?”1
THE ECOLOGICAL CRISIS “Yes that is the one. It doesn’t make
sense. I have been doing very well but
after watching that film I have been hav-
KIMBERLY SOGGE ing panic attacks. I saw my GP. She
PhD, CPsych, Clinical Psychologist, Ottawa rolled her eyes and told me not to watch
River Psychology Group
that stuff anymore.”
“What do you think about that?”
14 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2 ● 2021CLIMATE CHANGE
“I can’t not watch it. This is what I care Psychologist John Welwood has explored Buddhist psychiatrist Mark Epstein pro-
about, and I will keep watching it even what a psychology of awakening could be, poses psychotherapy as having the task of
if it makes me anxious, because it hurts and his writing may apply as we consider moving clients from involvement with
me to think of what suffering is being awakening of human capacities in the midst “ideal ego” to serving the more process
experienced in the world and I want to of an ongoing ecological crisis. Welwood and values-oriented “ego ideal”. The Bud-
be able to help with it.” suggested two main approaches to the dhist reprieve from the ego is not accom-
exploration of a psychology of awakening: plished by leapfrogging over the ego’s
“You are committed to caring about the 1) what happens psychologically when peo- needs or demands, but by zeroing in on
world, and with that comes anxiety. You ple turn towards their larger nature? and, 2) them: acknowledging and accepting them
want to know how to care for the world how might psychologically oriented per- while learning to hold them with a lighter,
without being flooded by anxiety. Is that sonal work and interpersonal practice sup- more questioning, more forgiving,
right?” port, serve, and further movement toward touch”.10 The decreased self-absorption in
awakening.5 ego achieved through psychotherapy may
“I want to know how to care without allow for the emergence of a more ecologi-
falling apart.” Buddhist philosophy and the self cally-oriented self.
in addressing the ecological crisis
“Lots of people are feeling the same way. Psychologists Steve Hayes, Kelly Wilson,
One short term solution is just avoid Christopher Titmuss in “Green Buddhism” Kirk Strosahl and others identify “self-as-
thinking about it, but experiential avoid- identified the self as the problem at the center context” as one of the key psychological pro-
ance does not tend to work as a long-term of the current ecological crisis: “I believe the cesses contributing to the psychological flex-
solution. Eco-anxiety is an appropriate ego has corrupted the inner life...with tragic ibility model.11 Third wave psychotherapies
human response to a very real threat to consequences for humanity and the Earth”.6 based on the psychological flexibility model
the living world. If we can work with Buddhist philosopher and zen teacher Dr. may provide context-relevant strategies for
this kind of anxiety to find a way of David Loy has identified psychological dis- how clients can approach rather than avoid
responding that serves what is important, comfort arising in response to awareness of suffering related to the climate crisis and
would you be interested?” the insubstantiality of the self as the source of ecological suffering, and may support clar-
many of the human behaviors leading to eco- ity and persistence in committed actions on
“Yes.” logical harm.7,8 ecologically-relevant values. In this way
third wave psychotherapies may also further
*Note: composite case with details Stephanie Kaza points to Buddhist movement toward awakening of a more eco-
changed to eliminate connections to any scholar Joanna Macy’s model of the ‘ecolog- logically oriented self.
client real or imagined. ical self’. 9 She says: “The ecological self is
experienced as one node in a web of relation- The challenge for psychologists in 2021
The conversation above has played out ships...The relational self in Macy’s model and beyond is to develop psychotherapies
many times in various forms in recent responds not only to human actions but also robust enough to not only address individ-
months in our group practice in psy- to the actions of plants, animals, stones, ual psychological distress associated with
chotherapy, which has led us to question rivers, and mountains. These non-human the current ecological crisis, but to redefine
the conceptualization of the problem of members of the ecological web are them- the self addressed in the psychotherapeutic
ecological anxiety in terms of a western selves relational and influential”.9 frame, and to create psychological strategies
conception of self and a biomedical defini- for awakening individual and group psycho-
tion of anxiety. Contemplative psychotherapy logical skills and capacities for cooperation
and the self in response to ecological conditions
Undoubtedly, psychological interventions unprecedented in human experience. In
and psychotherapy can be of assistance with Traditional western psychotherapies tend this brief note I have addressed the contri-
eco-anxiety (See the CPA’s Fact Sheet pub- to emphasize a strong sense of self separate butions of buddhist philosophy that place
lished in 2020).2 from ecological context, or an individual misconceptions of self at the center of the
“ego” relating to the external world which is etiology of our ecological crisis and also at
I suggest here that in the current ecologi- viewed as separate and distinct from the self.5 the center of psychological strategies for
cal crisis we need a reconceptualization of the By contrast, Buddhist or contemplative psy- awakening human potential for a creative
psychological self being addressed in the psy- chotherapies open up the possibility of recon- response. Psychologists must create and
chotherapy frame. In an era of pandemics, ceptualizing the self in a more fluid, process- evaluate new psychological interventions
the sixth extinction,3 and climate change, to oriented, and universal way that does not built on conceptions of an ecological self.
be adequate to the task of awakening human privilege home sapiens sapiens consciousness Psychology as a profession has an ethical
potential for creative response, the self being and needs over more-than-human con- responsibility to use our knowledge, skills,
addressed in psychotherapy must include the sciousness and needs. and abilities to nourish human potential for
processes and relationships between an indi- creative responses to unprecedented ecolog-
vidual-identified embodied human con- Buddhist psychology and buddhist-ori- ical conditions.
sciousness and the living, embodied con- ented psychotherapies consistent with bud-
sciousness(es) of the natural or “more than dhist philosophy agree that “ego is the one FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF REFERENCES,
human” world.4 affliction we all have in common”. PLEASE GO TO CPA.CA/PSYNOPSIS
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2 ● 2021 15CLIMATE CHANGE
COMPASSIONATE
REFLECTIONS ABOUT
ECO-ANXIETY
SARAH MACKAY
MA, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying),
Supervised Practicum Psychotherapy Student,
Ottawa River Psychology Group
I
t has been argued that we have entered occur in the future.1 From an evolutionary With the intention of shifting our internal
the Anthropocene age; a time defined standpoint, the human brain’s capacity to discourse, I think that a better question to ask
by large scale human-caused extinction anticipate these safety concerns via worrying is: “what can I do?” My deepest wish for us
and environmental destruction. It is adaptive as it could motivate enough peo- all is to have a clear awareness of our capacity
should come as no surprise that intergovern- ple to take action to minimize further ecolog- to contribute as well as of our drive to do so.
mental organizations, such as the United ical disaster. However, eco-anxiety experienced While some pro-environmental actions
Nations, as well as countries worldwide are by individuals as “feelings of loss, helpless- come at less cost, such as being more inten-
declaring a state of climate emergency. The ness, frustration and inability to improve the tional as a consumer, many solutions can be
impact of climate change on people’s wellbe- situation” is maladaptive and can result in a burden to one’s finances or free time – lux-
ing is not unlike that of the COVID-19 pan- less constructive coping strategies such as dis- uries that are especially apparent amid a
demic. Both threaten our own and our loved engagement.2 global pandemic. Moreover, if the reason for
one’s physical health and safety, the danger is a particular choice is pressured by a feeling
largely invisible, yet it is ever present, the Given the scientific consensus about the that one’s lifestyle is flawed or not good
spread of misinformation creates polarized current trajectory of climate change, it is not enough, you are likely experiencing guilt that
discourse and action and, for a long time, uncommon to feel a sense of urgency to do is not only detrimental5 but does not inspire
there was no end in sight. To say that human something – anything. However, our own dis- further action. Habits are hard enough to
life is changing is an understatement at a time tress and sense of responsibility can make us change as is. Rather, if one has the capacity
when there is a great deal of uncertainty lose sight of larger systemic issues. Sometimes to, and values taking steps towards reducing
about what kind of world humans will choose by only demanding better of ourselves, it can their footprint by living sustainably, let it be
to create in the coming decades. distract us from holding people in positions because they are committed to the welfare of
of power accountable to make ethical and all living beings on our planet.
Learning about the damaging effects that informed decisions.3 Despite no one having
human activity has already had on the planet the capability to take on the issues or solu- For those who have attempted to take pro-
and being exposed to frequent doomist news tions alone, individual pro-environmental environmental action, they may realize how
can have significant effects on our mental action can be an effective way to cope with extraordinarily complicated taking on this
health. Habitual ecological worrying, that is, climate change concerns.4 In an effort to take initiative can be. Generally speaking, our
worrying about possible impending and seri- some responsibility we adopt pro-environ- infrastructure was not designed to make cli-
ous environmental concerns, can cause peo- mental attitudes and search for answers to mate-friendly behavior default or convenient.
ple to experience an overwhelming sense of the question “what should I do?”
threat in the present to an event that may Continued on page 19
16 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2 ● 2021CLIMATE CHANGE
others in their community. This means
that social ties within communities could
potentially be leveraged to incite collective
action. Yet, little is known about how these
perceptions precipitate action.
Social ties and collective action might be
particularly important for rural communities
in the face of climate change. Climate change
poses a heightened risk to rural infrastructure
and communities, and, as such, understand-
ing how rural residents perceive and respond
to climate change is vital. Our research (sup-
ported by the Ontario Ministry of Agricul-
ture, Food and Rural Affairs) explores the
WHEN RURAL
extent to which an individual’s understand-
ing of climate change and its associated risks,
as well as their connection to their rural com-
COMMUNITIES munity, are related to their willingness to
engage in climate change adaptation behav-
TACKLE THE
iours (specifically, increased tax contribu-
tions and/or the reduction of other commu-
nity services).
CHALLENGE In our study, 2,500 residents of rural com-
OF CLIMATE
munities (communities with less than
100,000 residents) in Ontario, Canada, pro-
CHANGE
vided information about attachment to their
community, community resilience, their
understanding of the meaning of climate
change, their beliefs about the risk climate
What Facilitates change poses and whether climate change
can be mitigated, and their willingness to
Collective Action? support community-based climate change
adaptation measures (i.e., tax support or
reducing current community service levels).
AMANDA MCEVOY More than two-thirds of our participants
PhD Candidate, Department of Psychology,
Carleton University
believe that something can be done to
address climate change in their rural com-
CHELSIE SMITH munity. Individuals who have a better under-
PhD Candidate, Sprott School of Business,
Carleton University standing of climate change (i.e., meaning of
climate change, risk of climate change) and
KATHRYNE DUPRÉ feel more community attachment, are more
PhD, Department of Psychology,
Carleton University likely to believe something can be done to
SHAWN KENNY address climate change in their community,
PhD, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and are more willing to pay higher taxes in
Carleton University an effort to do so. Further, those who believe
their community is resilient are more likely to
be willing to reduce the level of services in
A
their community in an effort to address cli-
nthropogenic climate change is vide a normative understanding of the risks mate change concerns. Overall, these find-
a challenge that humanity con- of climate change and underlie beliefs ings suggest that both understanding climate
tinues to face; a problem about what personal actions in which indi- change, as well as one’s psychological and
demanding collective action on viduals ought to engage. Evidence suggests social ties to their community (through
a global scale. Previous research has estab- that those who have low-to-moderate skep- attachment and resilience), are meaningfully
lished a reliable connection between com- ticism about climate change and their abil- related to one’s willingness to support climate
munity attachment and the willingness of ity to contribute to the solution, can be per- change initiatives.
community members to address climate suaded to become more open to pro-envi-
change. Moreover, social connections pro- ronmental messages when delivered by Continued on page 34
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2 ● 2021 17CLIMATE CHANGE
GETTING TO
SUSTAINABLE
LIVING
The Individual Within
Complex Collective
Problems
LORAINE LAVALLEE
I
PhD, Department of Psychology, University of
Northern British Columbia n complex industrialized societies that
LOUISA HADLEY are embedded in globalized
MA, Natural Resources and Environmental economies, it is virtually impossible for
Studies, University of Northern British individuals to know the environmen-
Columbia tal impact of their consumption and to
chart a path to sustainable living.1
18 PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2 ● 2021CLIMATE CHANGE
Asking individuals to live sustainably is Inefficacy Leads Us to Avoid Compassionate Reflections about
similar to telling them to live within their Thinking About the Problem Eco-Anxiety
income, but without telling them what Continued from page 16
their income is, or telling them the cost of Without a collective approach to the
the products and services they use or problem, individuals who are currently For example, there is a lack of transparency
enabling them to keep track of the money concerned about environmental issues will about the ethical and environmental history
in their bank account. In trying to select often feel demoralized. When people are of purchasable goods,6 making it nearly
environmentally-sustainable food, for faced with a serious and potentially life- impossible to fully understand the unin-
example, consumers use features such as threatening problem but feel as though tended consequences of our decisions as con-
the transportation distance of the food nothing can be done to solve the problem, sumers. When one feels stuck trying to make
(“Buy Local”) and whether the food is they lack efficacy to influence the outcome. simple choices that no longer feel easy, it may
organic; however, these features can con- Under these circumstances, it is functional be beneficial to contextualize one’s experi-
flict with the environmental life-cycle for people to adopt emotion-focused cop- ence in the understanding these are part of
analyses of the product.2,3 Even if the envi- ing responses, such as denial or distraction, larger systemic issues which are beginning to
ronmental impact of particular products to direct attention away from the problem be addressed.
was made readily apparent, it is also very and avert the persistent emotional distress
difficult for individuals to know how close associated with the threatening circum- Despite the enormity of what remains
or distant their total resource use is to a stances.7,8 With global environmental to be done I would like to instill some hope
goal of being environmentally-sustainable. problems, coping responses, such as avoid- in an attempt to soften eco-anxiety. The
To achieve a sustainable lifestyle, does the ing thinking about climate change, mini- ideas and technology needed to slow, and
individual need to stop consuming meat mizing its importance, or outright denial, even reverse this climate crisis, already
products or travelling internationally if may enable individuals to continue to exist. The Canadian government has
they already live in a small, energy-efficient function in the face of a serious looming made commitments toward a green eco-
multi-unit building and do not own a car? global problem but it will also reduce the nomic recovery by planning to increase
Such an absence of useful information lim- individual’s attention toward the problem reliance on renewable energy,7 reduce sin-
its the individual’s awareness of their envi- and motivation to act to solve it. Providing gle-use plastics,8 improve land manage-
ronmental impact and ability to achieve individuals with a sense that the collective ment through guardianship programs,9 to
sustainability targets. is working together to make significant name a few. We also have evidence that,
progress toward solving environmental given a chance, nature is astonishingly
Providing individuals with useable indi- problems should create a sense of efficacy resilient.10
vidual-level sustainability targets, clear and and enable citizens to pay more attention
simple information about the environmen- to these issues. Indeed, providing people This past year has been a time of mass
tal impact of products and services, and with a sense of efficacy through collective awakening to the challenges we face as a
methods for monitoring their cumulative coordination will be a key to building a society. It makes sense that collectively we
environmental impact should be possible stronger culture of sustainability. are experiencing habitual ecological worrying
in this age of Information. and, for some, eco-anxiety as well. To echo
The success of collective initiatives and recommendations for coping with mental
The Climate and Biodiversity Crises action are demonstrated in Växjö Sweden, health concerns associated with COVID-
are Collective, and Not Individual, the greenest city in Europe.9 In Växjö, 19,11 it may also be beneficial in dealing
Problems widespread support exists, regardless of with eco-anxiety to: stay connected to other
political party membership, to prioritize people, limit access to the news, ground
No one individual is responsible for the environmental conservation. The public is oneself in nature-based sensory experi-
climate and biodiversity crises, and no one extremely well-educated on environmental ences,12 and find professional support. This
individual can solve these global problems; issues and on the economic opportunities might involve joining one’s local commu-
achieving sustainable lifestyles must be associated with conservation.9,10 This pub- nity environmental initiatives or connect-
understood as a collective rather than indi- lic knowledge reduces misunderstanding ing with organizations dedicated to sharing
vidual problem. With collective problems, surrounding environmental initiatives, positive news stories and to creating acces-
if the majority of citizens in the collective such as carbon taxes, and ultimately sible pro-environmental norms (e.g.,
are not working to achieve collective sus- increases support for economic initiatives Nature Canada, World Wildlife Fund,
tainability goals, the motivation for any that are environmentally sustainable, even etc.). In order to sustain motivation for this
one individual to do so is vastly reduced.4,5 when these initiatives may have high capi- type of engagement we must continue to
It is difficult to make personal sacrifices tal start-up costs.9 Psychologists can help reflect on and remember why each action
when one knows that a personal sacrifice policy makers understand the individual matters. Regardless of one’s capacity to
will not actually make a significant differ- within the collective problem and the indi- contribute to climate-related activism,
ence. Only coordinated collective action— vidual’s need to feel responsible, knowl- know that these valued actions have endur-
that is, initiatives directed at collective edgeable, and efficacious in the face of ing environmental influence and serve as
behaviour change rather than voluntary extremely complex global problems. social modeling for those around us.
individual behavior change—can over-
come this barrier.6 FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF REFERENCES, FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF REFERENCES,
PLEASE GO TO CPA.CA/PSYNOPSIS PLEASE GO TO CPA.CA/PSYNOPSIS
PSYNOPSIS, CANADA’S PSYCHOLOGY MAGAZINE ● ISSUE 2 ● 2021 19You can also read
