University of Twente Student Theses
Constructing the Apocalypse : Exploring Young People’s Climate Thoughts and Emotions after Reading Apocalyptic Climate Stories
Amoo, W.O.N.O. (2023) Constructing the Apocalypse : Exploring Young People’s Climate Thoughts and Emotions after Reading Apocalyptic Climate Stories.
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| Abstract: | Research has started paying increasing attention to people’s psychological responses to climate change. Many scholars have proposed the literary genre of “climate fiction” as a means for people to engage with their climate emotions. There is a prevailing belief among scholars that apocalyptic narratives, such as those commonly found in climate fiction, solely result in negative outcomes. In this qualitative interview study, apocalyptic climate story excerpts from climate fiction literature have been used as conversation triggers to explore how young people construct their climate-change-related thoughts and emotions. Eight participants were interviewed, and thematic analysis was conducted to identify relevant themes. On the basis of six themes, the results revealed that young people express and reflect on a variety of climate-change-related thoughts and emotions after reading the apocalyptic stories. The findings support claims that climate fiction can serve as a tool for individuals to explore their climate thoughts and emotions and argues against the notion that the impact of apocalyptic narratives is purely negative. The findings of this study also suggest practical implications, such as promoting climate fiction in the context of climate communication. Further research should consider mixed-methods- and longitudinal approaches to gain a more holistic understanding of the issue. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Bachelor) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology BSc (56604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/95713 |
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