Inspired by the participatory action research approach, this project aims to empower community transformative change by understanding environmental pollution-induced anxiety mechanisms and paths to resilient response. To achieve this, we will (I) conduct a survey in communities residing in close proximity to polluting industrial establishments in northern and southern Klaipėda districts located in the western part of Lithuania and (II) conduct a series of discussion and co-creation sessions with communities and relevant stakeholders before and after the quantitative study. Quantitative research (survey) is designed to identify the prevalence of general anxiety, anxiety about environmental degradation, and pollution-induced anxiety in the affected communities. Next, we will explore the mechanisms via which pollution-induced anxiety (de)motivates (non)resilient response (e.g. taking action vs stagnating). We will analyze the links of personal, interpersonal, sociodemographic, and spatial (proximity to establishments) factors with pollution-induced anxiety and(non)resilient response. In interactive sessions with communities, we will discuss the content of the measurement instrument to meet their advocacy needs. We will also co-create possible scenarios for resilient responses and explore further prospects for using research data to strengthen their case and attract policymakers’ attention to community issues. The transformative potential of this project lies within the synergy between researchers’ engagement that started outside the limits of the proposed project and the community’s inspiring efforts to tackle the injustices they face. The research will provide unique applied knowledge and insights relevant to local and international communities facing similar issues. Knowledge of the prevalence of anxiety measured at various construal levels as well as its relationship to (non)resilient community response will expand theory as well as inform decisions of policymakers, community advisors, mental health professionals, and alike.
Project funding:
Research Council of Lithuania (RCL), Projects of Postdoctoral fellowships funded by the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania
Period of project implementation: 2024-11-04 - 2026-11-03
Project coordinator: Kaunas University of Technology
