The PCUN Paper Series leverages psychological principles, science, and practice to offer timely, objective, and data-based information to the United Nations and other key stakeholders about current and emerging issues facing diverse communities. This series is designed harnessing expertise from the wide ranging field of psychology to identify and promote promising practices and actionable steps in response to global concerns.
PCUN Brief #7
The Mental Health Impacts of Climate Change and Climate-Fueled Disasters
2025
Authors: Sherry R. Levy, Emily Rehbein
Summary: The mental health impacts of climate change and climate-fueled disasters are understudied and neglected despite evidence pointing to a serious and growing problem. Gaps need to be filled in terms of addressing the prevalence of mental health impacts, climate literacy, workforce shortages, prevention resources, and intervention services with attention to already vulnerable communities.
PCUN Brief #6
Role of Collaborative Aid Networks in Inclusive Disaster Preparedness and Psychosocial Response for Persons with Disabilities
Author: Alla Prokhovnik-Raphique
Summary: Persons with disabilities face increased risks during disasters due to communication, accessibility, and training shortcomings. This paper proposes an inclusive psychosocial model centered on accessible communication, community involvement, and adaptive infrastructure. This paper calls on policymakers to include disability competence in disaster preparedness and response systems.
PCUN Brief #5
Persons Living with Disabilities in the Climate Crisis
Authors: Meroona Gopang, Sheri L. Levy
Summary: People living with disabilities (PLWDs) face disproportionate vulnerabilities to climate-induced injuries, psychological distress, and death due to interconnected factors such as inaccessible infrastructure, inadequate healthcare systems, and insufficient disaster preparedness. Additionally, PLWDs disproportionately live in climate-vulnerable areas, are displaced to post-disaster relocations, and are excluded from environmental decision-making.
PCUN Brief #4
Bridging the Gendered Political Divergence Among Youth Voters
Authors: Emma Hart, Richard Glisker, Maisie Morrison, Rachel Quintas
Summary: Rising political divides among Gen-Z worldwide – particularly between genders – reflect intersecting forces: economic precarity, political disillusionment, challenges around masculine identity and connection, and online echo chambers. As young people seek meaning and direction, attention-driven algorithms and dwindling opportunities for low-risk learning deepen polarization. Inclusive, global efforts are needed to rebuild connection and dialogue.
PCUN Brief #2
Political Forgiveness and the Healing of Nations – September 2023
Author: Eileen Borris
Summary: If the New Agenda for Peace (NAfP) is to be meaningful, it will need to engage with processes of healing and reconciliation—and especially within the United Nations—if it wants to deliver the global public goal of building peace by addressing and healing the multigenerational legacies of past wounds. Political forgiveness provides a framework where victims and perpetrators (or so-called “others”) can come together to repair what was broken and what was inherited, and lay a new foundation for future generations. This supports a culture of political forgiveness, which can sustain an enduring global peace.
PCUN Brief #1
COVID-19 and Immigration Detention: Implications for Mental Health Professionals – April 2023
Author: Kim Barabowski
Summary: Immigrants face a range of deleterious mental and physical health outcomes when held in detention facilities. Mental health professionals can use their expertise to respond to the needs of detained migrants, given increased risks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Psychology Coalition at the United Nations Paper Series (PCUN-PS)
Editorial Advisory Board (2024 – present)
- Bashayar (Counselling Faculty, College of Allied Educators, Aforemind Pte Ltd, Singapore).
- Supawit Butdisuwan (Department of Educational Psychology and Guidance, Mahasarakham University, Maha Sarakham, THAILAND; The Guidance Psychology Association of Thailand).
- Christabel P. Fitch (Nutrition and Behaviour Unit, School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, UK).
- Emily Rehbein, PhD (Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, New York, USA).
- Lauren Morrison, MA (Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, New York, USA).
Past Editors
2024 – 2026: Sheri R. Levy, PhD
2022 – 2024: Founding Editor, Kim Baranowski, PhD ABPP