The challenge of eco-generativity. Embracing a positive mindset beyond eco-anxiety: a research agenda

Climate change has emerged as a tough challenge affecting the world's society and economy in the twenty-first century. Furthermore, it has been determined that global warming and climate change have detrimental effects on human health both physical and psychological. In this framework, eco-anxiety has emerged as a new construct to assess the distress in relation to climate change and its effects. In the current article, after a study of the literature regarding both eco-anxiety and generativity related to environmental issues, in the search for a healthy response to eco-anxiety, we propose the construct of eco-generativity as a sustainable development-related concept for the health of planet earth and people in the present and in the future. Accordingly, we explore the definitions of generativity in relation to the ecological environment, examining the development of the concept in accordance with the most recent research. Subsequently, according to the lens of psychology of sustainability and sustainable development, we propose key elements of eco-generativity in terms of construct and measures. Finally, a research agenda for future research and intervention on eco-generativity is provided.

The Eco-Generativity Scale (EGS): A New Resource to Protect the Environment and Promote Health

(1) Background: Environmental issues are among society's most pressing concerns as they can significantly impact the environment and human health. The Eco Generativity Scale (EGS), a 28-item four-factor scale has been introduced to promote a constructive outlook on the matter. It encompasses two types of generativity, namely ecological and social generativity, as well as environmental identity and agency/pathways. The aim of the current study was to examine the EGS's psychometric properties among 375 Italian university students. (2) Methods: To evaluate the scale's factor structure, both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted. Internal consistency was evaluated via Cronbach's alphas and McDonald's omega. Concurrent validity was analyzed with the Positive and Negative Affect Scale (PANAS), Satisfaction with life Scale (SWLS), Meaningful Life Measure (MLM), and Flourishing Scale (FS). (3) Results: The exploratory factor analysis showed the best fit for a four-factor solution. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that a four-factor higher-order model provided the best fit to the data with good internal consistency. Furthermore, each factor and the total score showed a good concurrent validity with the PANAS, SWLS, MLM, and FS. (4) Conclusions: The Eco-Generativity Scale (EGS) showed good psychometric properties for its use in research and intervention as a promising tool to measure eco-generativity.

Perfectionism and a Healthy Attitude toward Oneself: Could Humor Be a Resource?

In the framework of the psychology of harmonization, the present study analyzes the relationships of humor styles with perfectionism, controlling for the effects of personality traits. One hundred and forty-eight Italian university students were administered the Italian versions of the HEXACO-60, the Humor Styles Questionnaire, and the short-form version of the Big Three Perfectionism Scale. Based on hierarchical regression analyses, humor styles accounted for a significant percentage of incremental variance beyond personality traits in relation to three major perfectionism factors. Humor styles may be a promising area for further research and intervention in relation to managing issues related to perfectionism in strengths-based preventative perspectives.