Current World Environment

This study is grounded on an ecopsychological approach towards the effect of water shortages on human psychological functioning. The purpose of this study was to: (1) to examine the prevalence of psychological problems in rural residents with and without water shortages; (2) to evaluate human attributions about the possible causes of water scarcity; (3) to explore human coping styles towards water shortage; and (4) to recognize the role of sociocultural factors on the aforesaid  factors. Participants included 3850 Iranian rural residents, those with water shortages (WWS), and those without water shortages (WOWS). A demographic questionnaire and several self-rating measures were used. Resulting data indicates that the prevalence of mental health problems is significantly higher in rural residents who suffer with water shortages. Attributional styles towards water shortages consisted of four components: personal, social, natural, and organizational. Coping styles of participants (with water shortages) indicated an emotional-avoidant coping style, the utilization of  water consumption methods to optimize water usage, the use of water-free technologies, social adaptation to life with regards to water,  and the application of high quality technologies for water saving. Demographic and sociocultural factors influence psychological functioning with regards to water scarcity. This study demonstrates that mental health problems are more prevalent in areas with water shortages. It also indicates the impact of attributional styles, coping methods and the role of demographic and sociocultural factors on psychological functioning when water shortages occur,