Carmine Fele
Department, Institution: Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck
UBEL Pathway: Health and Wellbeing
About Me
I moved from Italy to London to pursue a career in psychology, completing a BSc in Psychology in Practice at Birkbeck, University of London, in 2023, followed by an MSc in Health and Clinical Psychological Sciences in 2024. My interest in psychology was inspired by my earlier work in cinema in Italy, where directing and writing stories sparked a fascination with human behaviour, emotions, and decision-making.
Alongside my studies, I have worked as a Research Assistant on projects exploring eco-anxiety in relation to research culture, including the IDEA initiative at Birkbeck. My research focuses on how eco-anxiety shapes young people’s identity, well-being, and future aspirations. Outside academia, I enjoy reading, travelling, and cinema.
My Research
My research examines the psychological impact of climate change on young people in the UK, focusing on eco-anxiety and its relationship to identity, well-being, and aspirations. Eco-anxiety, defined as distress linked to environmental crises, is increasingly recognised among adolescents and young adults, yet little is known about how it shapes their sense of self and future perspective.
This project investigates how young people experience and discuss eco-anxiety, how it influences their aspirations and perceptions of agency, and the strategies they use to navigate it. By analysing both personal reflections and social narratives, the study aims to shed light on how climate distress becomes part of young people’s identities in the context of ongoing climate change.
Impact of My Research
This research has the potential to inform mental health support, education, and climate policy by highlighting how eco-anxiety affects young people’s identity and decision-making. Understanding the ways young people make sense of climate distress can guide interventions that promote resilience and agency, rather than reinforcing distress.
The findings can help educators address climate-related emotions in the classroom, provide policymakers with evidence on how climate narratives shape aspirations, and support youth organisations in developing resources for those struggling with eco-anxiety. Rather than viewing eco-anxiety solely as a clinical issue, this project positions it as both a challenge and a potential catalyst for adaptation and constructive social engagement.