Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | Eco-emotions and mental health: A survey among adolescents and young adults with and without psychiatric disorders |
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| Contribution code | D2.048 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Aims: While the impact of the climate change and climate crisis on physical health is well studied, research on the consequences for mental health is scarce, particularly in European societies. This study aims to explore the presence of a wide range of eco-emotions among adolescents and young adults in German-speaking countries, to investigate differences between individuals with vs. without psychiatric disorders and to explore associations with general mental health and personality. Methods: An anonymous paper-pencil and online survey was conducted with adolescents and young adults recruited from (child and adolescent) psychiatry wards and the general population. The preliminary analysis involved 305 individuals (age range: 14-30 years, 66% females, 43% with a current psychiatric disorder). The assessment includes questionnaires assessing diverse eco-emotions (Climate Change Anxiety Scale, Climate Change Worry Scale, Inventory of climate emotions, Eating Disorder Related Eco-Concerns Questionnaire) as well as the Perceived stress scale and Brief Symptom Inventory to obtain general mental health and the Big Five Inventory-10 to assess personality. Results: Individuals with psychiatric disorders showed higher climate anxiety, climate sorrow, climate guilt and climate powerlessness compared to healthy individuals. Females as well as young adults compared to adolescents experienced more intense eco-emotions in general. The level of climate anxiety and climate worry was positively associated with general psychopathology. In multiple linear regression models, female sex, older age, frequent media consumption on the topic of climate change, belief in human-made climate change, higher levels of conscientiousness and experiences of trauma significantly predicted either climate anxiety, climate worry or eating-related eco-concerns. Conclusions: Even though most young people in German-speaking countries may not (yet) be directly affected by the consequences of climate change, this study highlights the links between climate-related emotions and general mental health. Moreover, the way climate issues are portrayed in the media may influence psychological stress levels. |