“None of us are islands”: A thematic analysis of navigating emotional engagement with climate change through social relationships

Souissi, Sara

Abstract

Background: Much existing research attempting to explain (in)action in the face of climate change constructs a false separation between individuals and society. A relational perspective is comparatively absent in existing research.
Aims: This qualitative study aimed to improve understandings of how individuals emotionally engaging with climate change experience their social relationships, and to explore the role of social relationships in individual and collective action in response to the climate crisis.
Methods: Data were collected during the COVID-19 pandemic via twelve remote semi-structured interviews with adults who self-identified as feeling emotionally affected by the climate crisis. Most participants also identified as activists. Sociograms were used as an elicitation tool enhancing reflection during interviews. Interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to develop themes that could inform therapeutic practice and climate action.
Findings: Four main themes were developed with associated subthemes. The first theme related to personally sustainable climate activism and the vital role of supportive relationships within this. The second theme centred on the precarity of interpersonal emotional management when engaging with climate change and feeling isolated in the degree of one’s emotional engagement despite support. The third theme focused on feeling the need to hide emotions and activity around climate change, and the relief of authentic relating when this is not required. The fourth theme highlighted climate engagement as a personal and relational journey, and how small changes can have possible wider effects through networks of social relationships.
Conclusions: Counselling psychology can play a meaningful role through emphasising this relational perspective. This includes highlighting the challenges and opportunities for people engaging emotionally with the climate crisis, and how personal relationships can inspire and sustain pro-climate action. The findings contribute to existing guidance for therapists and organisations supporting personally sustainable climate action.

Citation

Souissi, S. “None of us are islands”: A thematic analysis of navigating emotional engagement with climate change through social relationships. (Thesis). University of the West of England. Retrieved from https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10708694

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Apr 25, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 23, 2023
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10708694
• Award Date: Oct 23, 2023