Ecological anxiety and pro-environmental behaviour: The role of attention

Innovative and ecological: integrating ecological momentary assessment into environmental science research

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is a widely used methodology in psychological sciences; however, more broadly, environmental scientists have yet to fully capitalize on the benefits this method offers for gaining a critical understanding of subjective and behavioral responses to environmental factors. EMA enables the collection of experiences and actions occurring in one's natural environment as they unfold over time, allowing researchers to gain contextually informed, dynamic, and longitudinal insights. EMA can provide an accurate understanding of experiences and behaviors relevant to environmental science. To share this perspective, first, we describe current limitations in environmental research that could be addressed through the integration of EMA. Second, we discuss several benefits of adopting EMA in environmental sciences. Finally, we highlight the challenges and considerations involved in integrating EMA. The overarching implication of this work is to foster the interdisciplinary potential and promise of EMA methodology in advancing environmental science research.

Measuring Eco-Anxiety with the Polish Version of the 13-Item Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-13): Latent Structure, Correlates, and Psychometric Performance

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-13) is a thirteen-item measure of eco-anxiety, with four dimensions: (1) affective symptoms, (2) rumination, (3) behavioural symptoms, and (4) anxiety about personal impact. Being a recently developed questionnaire, data on its psychometrics are limited. The aim of this study was to introduce a Polish version of the HEAS-13 and examine its psychometric properties.

METHODS

Our sample consisted of 634 Polish-speaking adults, with ages ranging from 18 to 67 years. We assessed the HEAS-13's factor structure, internal consistency, test-retest reliabilities, and its concurrent validity via relationships with climate-related variables, psychopathology symptoms, and well-being. We put emphasis on examining the discriminant validity of the HEAS-13 against general psychological distress.

RESULTS

As expected, the Polish HEAS-13 demonstrated strong factorial validity with an intended four-factor structure. The internal consistency and test-retest reliabilities of the scale were good and moderate, respectively. Higher levels of eco-anxiety were associated with higher environmental concerns, the experience of climate change (i.e., one's perception of being affected by climate change), pro-environmental behavioural engagement, climate change worry, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, as well as lower levels of well-being. We empirically supported the strong discriminant validity of the HEAS-13, demonstrating that eco-anxiety was separable from general psychological distress. We also noted that females, younger people, and those with lower educational levels experienced higher eco-anxiety. To facilitate the use of this measure, we propose a potential screening cut-off value for the HEAS-13, which can indicate meaningfully elevated levels of eco-anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the Polish version of the HEAS-13 has strong psychometric properties, usefully enabling the examination of climate-related anxiety. Our findings highlight its potential in cross-cultural research and healthcare practice.

Detecting climate anxiety in therapy through natural language processing

A well-documented consequence of global warming is increased psychological distress and climate anxiety, but data gaps limit action. While climate anxiety garners attention, its expression in therapy remains unexplored. Natural language processing (NLP) models can identify climate discussions in therapy, aiding therapists and informing training. This study analyzed 32,542 therapy sessions provided by 849 therapists to 7,916 clients in U.S. behavioral health programs between July 2020 and December 2022, yielding 1,722,273 labeled therapist-client micro-dialogues. Climate- and weather-related topics constituted a mere 0.3% of the sessions. Clients exhibiting higher levels of depressive or anxiety symptoms were less likely to discuss weather and climate compared to those with mild or no symptoms. Findings suggest that although global warming is known to impact mental health, these issues are not yet adequately addressed in psychotherapy. This study suggests a potential gap between the documented mental health concerns associated with climate change and their representation in psychotherapy. NLP models can provide valuable feedback to therapists and assist in identifying key moments and conversational topics to inform training and improve the effectiveness of therapy sessions.

Media exposure to climate change information and pro-environmental behavior: the role of climate change risk judgment

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between exposure to climate change information in traditional and modern media, cognitive and emotional aspects of climate change risk judgment, and pro-environmental behavior (PEB).

METHOD

A cross-sectional online study was conducted on a quota sample of 1,075 participants (51.9% women) aged 18-79 years. Participants self-reported their exposure to climate change-related information in traditional (e.g. television) and modern media (e.g. social networks), cognitive assessment of climate change risk, level of worry about climate change, and the frequency of PEB.

RESULTS

Structural equation modeling showed a good fit for the parallel mediation model, involving cognitive risk judgment and worry as mediators between exposure to climate change information in traditional and modern media and PEB. Exposure to climate change information in traditional media had indirect effect on PEB through heightened worry, but not cognitive risk judgment. In contrast, exposure to climate change information in modern media had no indirect effect on PEB.

CONCLUSION

Since the link between exposure to climate change information in traditional media and PEB has been shown to be mediated by climate change worry, it is important to enhance the coverage of climate change in traditional media in Croatia, taking care to offer solutions to reduce possible negative impact on people's well-being.

Eco-Anxiety: An Evolutionary Line from Psychology to Psychopathology

According to the scientific literature, climate change, due to human activities, can damage the environment, with psycho-physical consequences for humans. The scientific literature has highlighted how severe weather events can cause fear, stress, concern for the future, and eco-anxiety. In light of this information, this study aims to explore the concept of eco-anxiety. However, climate change is still perceived as a secondary problem. It would also be worth investigating the real importance that people attach to environmental issues compared to other circumstances, such as wars or pandemics.