Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
08:10
Environmentally Induced Heritable Changes in Flax
Published on: January 26, 2011
"We're Really Not so Different:" Intergenerational Connection for Community Well-Being in a Changing Climate
Fiona C Doherty1, Carson De Fries2, Smitha Rao3
1College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA.
Issues in Mental Health Nursing
|January 30, 2026
Summary
Strengthening intergenerational connections in rural Ohio improved trust and mutual learning between older and emerging adults. This community-engaged study highlights the importance of cross-generational dialogue for collective well-being amid environmental change.
Area of Science:
- Community Psychology
- Environmental Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Community well-being is challenged by social disconnectedness, generational gaps, and climate change.
- Intergenerational connections can foster trust, empathy, and holistic wellness.
- Rural Appalachian Ohio faces unique demographic and environmental pressures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore intergenerational dynamics of social connectedness in rural Appalachian Ohio.
- To examine how cross-generational dialogue supports collective care during environmental change.
- To inform health professionals on promoting community well-being through intergenerational engagement.
Main Methods:
- Community-engaged study involving older adults (65+) and emerging adults (18-29).
- Utilized Participatory Photo Mapping (PPM) with photo mapping and interviews (n=16).
- Conducted focus groups (n=11) guided by intergenerational solidarity and contact theories.
Main Results:
- Found strong intrafamilial and place-based intergenerational ties.
- Identified limited non-familial intergenerational relationships and connection to future generations.
- Intergenerational contact facilitated mutual learning and trust-building.
Conclusions:
- Intergenerational dialogue and contact enhance community well-being and collective care.
- Health professionals can implement intergenerational programs (wellness, arts, shared interests).
- Understanding intergenerational place identity is crucial as climate change impacts communities.
Related Concept Videos
01:16What is Climate?
Climate refers to the prevailing weather conditions in a specific area over an extended period. As the saying goes, “Climate is what you expect. Weather is what you get.” Climate is influenced by geographic factors, such as latitude, terrain, and proximity to bodies of water.
01:50Global Climate Change
Throughout its ~4.5 billion year history, the Earth has experienced periods of warming and cooling. However, the current drastic increase in global temperatures is well outside of the Earth’s cyclic norms, and evidence for human-caused global climate change is compelling. Paleoclimatology, the study of ancient climate conditions, provides ample evidence for human-caused global climate change by comparing recent conditions with those in the past.
02:39Gene Flow
Gene flow is the transfer of genes among populations, resulting from either the dispersal of gametes or from the migration of individuals.
01:30Impact of Individuals on Individuals
Human behavior is intricately shaped by social influences that arise from interactions with others in diverse contexts. These influences not only mold beliefs and attitudes but also drive the regulation of behaviors through both direct communication and observational learning. The study of these processes falls within the domain of social psychology, which seeks to understand how individuals are affected by and affect those around them.Mechanisms of Social InfluenceDirect social influence...
01:21Impact of Social Context on Individuals
Social psychology examines how the real or imagined presence of others influences individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A key concept in this field is the role of social context in shaping behavior. The same individual may act differently depending on the social setting, due to the varying expectations and norms associated with each environment. This context-dependent behavior illustrates the influence of social roles, which prescribe appropriate conduct in specific situations.Social...
01:27Microbes and Climate Change
Microorganisms are pivotal agents in Earth's biogeochemical cycles, significantly influencing climate dynamics through their metabolic activities. These microbes modulate the levels of key greenhouse gases by both contributing to and helping mitigate climate change.Microbial Contributions to Greenhouse Gas EmissionsRising global temperatures accelerate microbial metabolism, which, in turn, speeds up the decomposition of organic matter. This process releases carbon dioxide (CO₂) through...