View in EDS

Maternal Eco-Distress as Catalyst for Post-Traumatic Growth Amidst Climate Change.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: Maternal Eco-Distress as Catalyst for Post-Traumatic Growth Amidst Climate Change.
Authors: Sholomon, Lisa1,2 (AUTHOR) lisasholomon@gmail.com, Sikora, Maya1 (AUTHOR), Xue, Danni1 (AUTHOR), Moss, Regan A.3,4 (AUTHOR), Yu, Xuecheng5 (AUTHOR), Murtezaoglu, Birce1 (AUTHOR), Pardon, Madelyn6 (AUTHOR), Barkin, Jennifer7 (AUTHOR), Davis, Allison8 (AUTHOR), Athan, Aurélie1 (AUTHOR) ama81@tc.columbia.edu
Source: Ecopsychology. Sep2025, Vol. 17 Issue 3, p247-263. 17p.
Abstract: This study explored the intersection of motherhood, eco-distress, and post-traumatic growth (PTG) in the context of climate havoc and positions mothers as important agents of environmental sustainability. It demonstrated how maternal eco-distress can be transformed from a potentially paralyzing experience into a generative force for ecological identity development and intergenerational stewardship of the natural world. Drawing on a sample of 13 North American mothers with children under the age of three, the study employed a mixed-methods design that analyzed qualitative narrative data alongside quantitative measures of climate distress, maternal functioning, and psychological well-being. While many participants reported negative emotions, such as anxiety, guilt, and sadness, related to exposure to extreme weather events (EWEs), some also expressed a "learned hopefulness" and exhibited resilience in the form of PTG. The findings suggest that matrescence, the transition to motherhood, is a key developmental stage for fostering ecological awakening, renewing a personal relationship with nature, and transmitting pro-environmental values to future generations. The study highlights the importance for maternal care providers to assess the presence of eco-maternal awareness in new mothers, especially for those experiencing climate-related mental health challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Ecopsychology is the property of Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: GreenFILE
Description
Abstract:This study explored the intersection of motherhood, eco-distress, and post-traumatic growth (PTG) in the context of climate havoc and positions mothers as important agents of environmental sustainability. It demonstrated how maternal eco-distress can be transformed from a potentially paralyzing experience into a generative force for ecological identity development and intergenerational stewardship of the natural world. Drawing on a sample of 13 North American mothers with children under the age of three, the study employed a mixed-methods design that analyzed qualitative narrative data alongside quantitative measures of climate distress, maternal functioning, and psychological well-being. While many participants reported negative emotions, such as anxiety, guilt, and sadness, related to exposure to extreme weather events (EWEs), some also expressed a "learned hopefulness" and exhibited resilience in the form of PTG. The findings suggest that matrescence, the transition to motherhood, is a key developmental stage for fostering ecological awakening, renewing a personal relationship with nature, and transmitting pro-environmental values to future generations. The study highlights the importance for maternal care providers to assess the presence of eco-maternal awareness in new mothers, especially for those experiencing climate-related mental health challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:19429347
DOI:10.1089/eco.2024.0070