Understanding how climate change affects mental health in young people
Official title: A Causal Analysis of the Complex Mental Health Impacts of the Climate Crisis in Young People
Funded at Appalachian State University · NIH-10359497 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how climate change, like extreme heat and hurricanes, affects the mental health of young people aged 12 to 20, using real-life data to understand when and why they reach out for help during these tough times.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Appalachian State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boone, United States) |
| Project start | February 3, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $413,598 |
| NIH project number | 1R15ES033817-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10359497 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents aged 12 to 20 who are experiencing mental health challenges potentially linked to climate-related events.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are outside the age range of 12 to 20 or those not experiencing mental health issues related to climate change may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mental health impacts of climate change on adolescents aged 12 to 20, particularly focusing on how environmental factors like extreme heat and hurricanes influence their well-being. By analyzing data from Crisis Text Line, which offers real-time insights into mental health crises, the study aims to identify patterns in help-seeking behavior among youth during climate-related events. The research will explore the complex relationships between various climate events and mental health outcomes, providing a comprehensive understanding of these issues in the Appalachian region and beyond.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health support and interventions for young people affected by climate change.
How similar studies have gone: While the intersection of climate change and mental health is a growing area of interest, this research aims to provide a novel and comprehensive analysis that has not been extensively explored on a national level.
Where this research is happening
-
Appalachian State University
Boone, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sugg, Margaret Mae — Appalachian State University
- Study coordinator: Sugg, Margaret Mae
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.