An intersectional approach to understanding climate-related mental health across occupational groups
Supervisors:
Dr Claire Niedzwiedz, School of Health and Wellbeing
Dr Evangelia Demou, School of Health and Wellbeing
Summary:
This PhD project explores the mental health impacts of climate change across occupational groups in the UK and internationally, with a focus on mental health and wellbeing. It applies an intersectional lens to understand how overlapping identities—such as occupation, disability, and gender—shape vulnerability to climate-related mental health outcomes. Using large-scale secondary datasets like Understanding Society and the European Social Survey, the project will quantify the prevalence of climate anxiety and pro-environmental behaviours across occupations. The methodological approach centres on Multilevel Analysis of Individual Heterogeneity and Discriminatory Accuracy (MAIHDA), a novel technique for modelling intersectional inequalities. This research will advance understanding in occupational, mental, and planetary health, informing climate adaptation strategies and workplace resilience. Training will equip the student with skills in data analysis, systematic reviews, ethical research practice, and stakeholder engagement. Findings will be shared through academic and policy channels to support equitable climate responses.