RESEARCH

Worry about the Future in the Climate Change Emergency: A Mediation Analysis of the Role of Eco-Anxiety and Emotion Regulation

This study investigates the relationship between eco-anxiety, emotion regulation, and worry about the future, highlighting how emotional dysregulation can intensify climate-related distress.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: General Population

Setting or Context: Homes/Private Residences

Health and Wellness Outcomes: Improved Mental Health, Improved Stress Management

Allied Profession Intersections: Forest/Ecotherapy, Climate Psychology/Psychotherapy

Type of Activity: Mindfulness/Visualizations

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Metrics for Mental Health, Standardized Assessment Tools

Access: Free

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Summary

The research examines how eco-anxiety—a psychological response to climate change concerns—relates to individuals’ ability to regulate emotions and their level of worry about the future. Through a mediation analysis involving 343 participants, findings suggest that those who struggle with emotional regulation tend to experience higher eco-anxiety, which in turn increases their worries about the future. The study highlights that while eco-anxiety is not classified as a clinical disorder, it can lead to significant mental health challenges, particularly in younger individuals facing an uncertain future due to environmental crises.

From a psychological and therapeutic perspective, the study emphasizes the need for interventions that enhance emotion regulation to mitigate the negative impact of eco-anxiety. Strategies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and promoting proactive engagement in environmental action may help individuals manage their distress and channel their concerns into constructive efforts. Future research should explore this relationship in clinical populations and across different demographic groups to better tailor mental health interventions for climate-related anxiety.

Link

Orrù, L., Taccini, F., & Mannarini, S. (2024). Worry about the Future in the Climate Change Emergency: A Mediation Analysis of the Role of Eco-Anxiety and Emotion Regulation. Behavioral Sciences, 14(3), 255.

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