Effect of Natural Disasters on Youth Mental Health: A Systematic Review

Background Natural disasters have a significant impact on the mental health of affected populations, particularly children and young people. The reported risks have become more severe as environmental and climate challenges increase. Thus, it is imperative to identify vulnerable groups to design early warning and effective interventions. This study aimed to synthesize evidence on how natural disasters affect the mental health of young people (aged 15–24 years) and to explore factors influencing their vulnerability and resilience. Methods Four databases, namely PubMed, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, were searched using pre-established keywords to find peer-reviewed English-language studies. Using predefined eligibility criteria, two reviewers independently examined the titles, abstracts, and full texts. Rayyan software was used for screening. For quantitative articles, we used the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool (NIH-QAT), and for qualitative studies, we used the Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) checklist. Additionally, the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) was applied to mixed-method studies. Results A total of 97 articles were extracted from the database search. 70 articles were assessed by title and abstract, and 58 were eligible for full-text review. Finally, 33 studies were included: 14 cohort studies, 16 cross-sectional studies, 1 qualitative study, and 2 mixed methods studies. Most were rated “good” in terms of methodological quality but had a significant risk of bias. The findings reported that young people exposed to natural disasters experience stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation or behaviors. Identified risk factors included female gender, older adolescence, low socioeconomic status, direct disaster exposure, family member loss, displacement, lack of social support, and substance abuse. Resilience was variably defined and did not always indicate well-being, but in some contexts, it reflected forced or adaptive coping. Conclusions Natural disasters have an adverse impact on young mental health, increasing the risk of stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts. Strengthening community and school-based support systems, implementing psychological first aid, and ensuring access to early and sustained mental health interventions are critical. Long-term mental health outcomes are influenced by the availability of social, institutional, and healthcare resources. Reducing psychological harm requires coordinated efforts involving caregivers, educational institutions, health systems, and community stakeholders.