RESEARCH

Validating a Measure for Eco-Anxiety in Portuguese Young Adults and Exploring its Associations with Environmental Action

This study validated the Portuguese version of the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS) in young adults, finding it to be a reliable tool for measuring eco-anxiety in Portugal. The research also revealed that rumination and anxiety about personal impacts on the environment predicted higher engagement in pro-environmental behaviors.
Program Types: Therapeutic
Population Groups: Mental Health Challenges/Trauma, General Population
Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Stress Management
Allied Profession Intersections: Climate Psychology/Psychotherapy
Type of Activity: AI/Digital Tools in Therapeutic Horticulture
Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Quantitative Research
Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health
Access: Free
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Summary

This study validated the Portuguese version of the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS) in 623 university students aged 18-25. Participants completed a survey including the translated HEAS, a sociodemographic assessment, and questions about pro-environmental behaviors. Researchers used confirmatory factor analysis to assess the construct validity, Cronbach’s alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient to evaluate reliability, and linear regressions to detect predictors of eco-anxiety and pro-environmental behaviors.

Higher paternal education predicted greater eco-anxiety, while rumination and anxiety about personal impacts on the environment predicted higher engagement in pro-environmental behaviors. The study concluded that the translated HEAS is a valid tool for measuring eco-anxiety in Portugal and can inform environmental and health policies, highlighting the importance of education and recognizing eco-anxiety as a potential motivator for environmental action.

Link

Sampaio, F., Costa, T., Teixeira-Santos, L., De Pinho, L. G., Sequeira, C., Luís, S., Loureiro, A., Soro, J. C., Merino, J. R., Poyato, A. M., Loray, J. S. P., Quiroga, A. R., O’Brien, L. V., Hogg, T. L., & Stanley, S. K. (2023). Validating a measure for eco-anxiety in Portuguese young adults and exploring its associations with environmental action. BMC Public Health, 23(1).

 

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