Abstract
Introduction: As humanity faces a future of rising global temperatures, and associated extreme weather events, distressing emotional responses are understandable. Climate Cafés are unique in providing a dedicated space where these responses can be shared and validated in the context of a society that often silences such conversations around these topics.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted between November 2021 and May 2022. The initial interview lasted around 45 minutes, with a shorter follow-up interview after three months. Participants had completed at least one Climate Psychology Alliance (CPA) facilitated Climate Café. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach was used throughout.
Results: While the aim was not to exclusively recruit females, seven female participants took part. Following analysis, four superordinate themes were identified: ‘‘having a keen awareness of threats to planetary health’, ‘action taken in the face of climate change’, ‘journeying from isolation to connection’, and ‘legacy of Climate Cafés’. This group of participants noted the importance of connection, being heard and validated, and a place to be with others who share a worldview and concern for the planet and humanity as important features in their experience.
Discussion: By exploring participants’ experience of climate change before, during, and after attending a Climate Café, this paper identified key aspects of this approach in supporting people experiencing distress related to the climate and ecological emergencies. These findings are discussed in light of the Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) ‘Three Systems’ model which offers a unifying theoretical conceptualisation that could support future development and research in this area.
| Date of Award | 22 Sept 2023 |
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| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Elizabeth Marks (Supervisor) & Paul Chadwick (Supervisor) |