Geopsychiatry and its integration into psychiatry residency curricula: A very first global survey for faculty and psychiatry residents

Geopsychiatry, an emerging field, explores the interaction between environmental factors and mental health, addressing how sociopolitical, economic, and ecological crises impact psychological well-being. Despite its relevance, Geopsychiatry is largely absent from psychiatric training curricula globally. This study aimed to evaluate the current integration of Geopsychiatry in psychiatry residency programs worldwide, and to understand the perceptions of faculty and residents regarding its importance in clinical training. This mixed-methods cross-sectional study collected data from 401 psychiatry faculty members and residents across various regions via an online survey from May to September 2024. The survey assessed familiarity with Geopsychiatry, perceived importance of its inclusion in psychiatric education, and barriers to integration. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were conducted to evaluate the associations among participant demographics, knowledge, and interest levels. The findings revealed limited knowledge of Geopsychiatry, with only 4.2 % of the participants reporting high familiarity. Nonetheless, 62.6 % viewed its inclusion in psychiatric education as “very important,” particularly those from Latin America and MENA regions. A lack of faculty expertise (48.1 %) and insufficient resources (52.9 %) were cited as significant barriers. However, participation in training activities was significantly associated with higher levels of familiarity (χ 2 = 83.063, p < 0.001), underscoring the importance of educational access. Collaborative efforts also enhanced research opportunities in Geopsychiatry (χ 2 = 59.530, p < 0.001). There is a significant gap between the perceived importance of Geopsychiatry and its formal inclusion in training programs. Expanding training opportunities, particularly through online modules and inter-institutional collaborations, may support the integration of this field into psychiatric education, addressing the growing need to prepare future psychiatrists for mental health challenges posed by environmental changes.