Working with the Process Model of Eco-anxiety and Grief

In December 2022, my research article and conceptualization of the process of eco-anxiety and grief was published. This blog post, which will be developed in early 2024, introduced methods to work with the Process Model either alone or together with others.

An useful short introduction to the Process Model can be found in a two-part interview of me on the fabulous Generation Dread website by Britt Wray and colleagues. 

Part 1: "Here’s a helpful new way to visualize your journey through climate distress"
Part 2: "How to take breaks from the climate crisis without living in denial"

Activities version 22nd Dec 2023

Questions for self-reflection and/or group discussions

1. Take a general look at the various chronological phases in the model. What thoughts arise?

 

2a. What do you think about Semiconsciousness and Awakening? Have you experienced something like that in relation to the ecological crisis? If so, when and how did things change?

 

2b. Do you know people who seem to be in Semiconsciousness about the severity of the climate crisis? What are some of the possible reasons why they (try to) stay there?

 

3a. Take a look at the three dimensions of Coping and Changing.

Do you recognize elements of those in your life?

How about in lives of people near you?

 

3b. What do you think “Grieving” can include?

What is the role of guilt and anger in “emotional engagement”?

Think about a physical way that you could express ecological grief? (Say aloud some examples, such as lighting a candle, constructing a small memorial place, doing some kind of ritual such as a walk to a symbolic place of remembrance etc.)

3c. What does Action mean and include for you? 

How are our possibilities to act shaped by social circumstances?

What are some of the common norms around environmental action in the communities where we live, and how do they shape our attitudes and reactions towards action?

3d. Distancing and self-care

NOTE: The Process Model does not mean to emphasize overly individualistic "self-care", but rather the need to take care of oneself in difficult times. Self-care is shaped by our relations, and "community care" is a major dimension here, too. Furthermore, caring for others can be a significant form of Action.

What kind of things help you to rejuvenate? 

Where is the line between healthy self-care and problematic Distancing, and how is this shaped by the various circumstances in which people live?

4. What do you think about your balance in relation to the three dimensions?

If you feel unbalance, what could be concrete steps that you could take towards more balance?

 

 

5. Take a look at how the names of the three dimensions have partly changed in the Living with the Ecological Crisis phase.

What kind of emotions would you like to feel more often in relation to environmental issues?

What kind of things help you to be more conscious of your reactions and more flexible about your choices?

Group work

There are many possibilities to facilitate sessions with the Process Model. I'm especially enthusiastic about using movement in a space in relation to either the chronological phases or the three dimensions (and background space of Stronger Anxiety/Depression) of the model. 

More to come, but here are fundamental ideas:

A) Mark or say out loud the chronological phases and move as a group along them. You can stop at each of the stages, reflect, and possibly discuss.

B) In a space, establish the three dimensions of Coping and Changing on the floor or on the ground, as well as the background space of Stronger anxiety / depression / burnout. You can either just use imagination or utilize some markers. It is also possible to have the texts written on paper.

Move in and between the dimensions and discuss your experiences. You can explore various kinds of movement between the areas.