Mapping the Ecological Landscape

A Systematized Review of Climate‐ and Nature‐Related Content in Couple and Family Therapy Literature From 2009 to 2025

Datos Bibliográficos

ID17190871
AutoresAri Bonagofski (0000-0001-9636-9993, Antioch University New England Keene New Hamshire USA, autor de correspondencia)
Año2026
Volumen65
Número1
Páginase70122-e70122
Fecha de publicación2026-02-18
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaFamily Process (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0014-7370 • E-ISSN: 1545-5300
EditorialWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/famp.70122
PMID41708495
OpenAlexW7130355305
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas69

Attention to climate- and nature-related issues is largely absent from systemic practice and the field of Couple and Family Therapy (CFT). The effects of climate change and the consequences of living as if humans are separate from and dominate over the natural world are compromising health and driving planetary degradation. Ecological distress (including ecological anxiety, grief, and depression) is rising alongside increasing disconnection from nature. As a result, the demand for clinicians competent in addressing these issues is growing. This review examined climate- and nature-related content in 17 peer-reviewed systemic and relational therapy journals published from January 1, 2009 through September 7, 2025. Less than 1% (n = 102) of the total published original articles (N = 14,116) included climate- or nature-related content. These articles addressed seven broad themes: eco-informed thinking and practice; disaster effects and therapeutic responses; environmental and social justice challenges; reproductive and family planning decision-making; migration, immigration, and refugee experiences; cultural and historical contexts; assessment tools and validation. Over half (n = 55) of the included articles at least partially included social justice issues and over a third (n = 35) included diverse samples. Although publications have increased, climate- and nature-related concerns remain under-explored in the CFT literature. Anthropocentrism and the dominant practice of systems theory are discussed as contributing factors to the ongoing inattention to ecological topics. Researchers, educators, and clinicians are encouraged to integrate an eco-centric approach by utilizing eco-informed assessments to screen for ecological distress and facilitating discussions about climate- and nature-related topics

Anthropocentrism · Disconnection · Distress · Ecological systems theory · Economic Justice · Family therapy · Mental health · Systemic therapy · Therapeutic relationship · Climate Change and Health Impacts · Climate Change Communication and Perception · Urban Green Space and Health