Eco-Anxiety and Psychological Well-Being Among Young Adults: A Review of Psychological Literature

Abstract

Climate change is one of the most global issues affecting the world. The effects of climate change have taken the world by storm on a physical, social and psychological level. One of the emerging global psychological reactions to environmental degradation is climate change anxiety/eco-anxiety. Anxiety about the current and future state of the planet is a stress reaction that negatively affects the mental health and well-being of individuals dealing with an unstable environment. University students are particularly vulnerable to climate change anxiety (CCA) due to the high levels of environmental awareness and recent exposure to coursework and media reports regarding environmental issues. This review briefly discusses and critically analyses the current studies related to relationships between climate change anxiety (CCA) and the mental health of young adults. The underlying theories and information regarding environmental psychology, mental health and climate change will be covered, in addition to providing definitions of what eco-anxiety is. It will be discussed in relation to the mental health of university students and other young adults and the models of psychological well-being associated with high and moderate levels of environment concern. Moreover, it will examine possible coping strategies, the benefits of environmental support networks, the association between resilience and environmental awareness, and effects of environmental involvement on exacerbating as well as alleviating emotional reactions to Climate Change Anxiety. Recommendations and possible solutions will be put forward in relation to possible interventions into the mental well-being of individuals experiencing extreme climate change anxiety. Key recommendations and suggestions for possible future studies will also be included.