RESEARCH

Measuring Eco-Emotions: A German Version of Questionnaires on Eco-Guilt, Ecological Grief, and Eco-Anxiety

This study translated and validated German versions of questionnaires measuring eco-guilt, ecological grief, and eco-anxiety in a large sample. The translated questionnaires aimed to provide reliable tools for assessing these emotions and their relationship to climate action and mental health.

Program Types: Therapeutic

Population Groups: General Population

Setting or Context: Natural Areas/Parks/Forest, Homes/Private Residences

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

Allied Profession Intersections: Climate Psychology/Psychotherapy

Evidence Type: Peer-Reviewed Studies, Quantitative Research

Measurement and Evaluation: Patient-Reported Outcomes, Standardized Assessment Tools

Access: Free

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Summary

This study focused on creating a German version of questionnaires that measure eco-guilt, ecological grief, and eco-anxiety. Researchers translated and validated the Eco-Guilt Questionnaire, the Ecological Grief Questionnaire, and the Eco-Anxiety Questionnaire in a large German sample. The methods involved confirmatory factor analyses to replicate the factor structures of the questionnaires and to investigate the associations between eco-emotions, climate action intentions, climate policy support, climate anxiety, and psychological distress.

All eco-emotions were positively associated with climate action intentions and climate policy support, but also with climate anxiety, general anxiety, and depression. The study concluded that the translated questionnaires are suitable for measuring eco-guilt, ecological grief, and eco-anxiety, capturing both adaptive and maladaptive aspects of these emotions.

Link

Zeier, P., & Michèle Wessa. (2024). Measuring eco-emotions: a German version of questionnaires on eco-guilt, ecological grief, and eco-anxiety. Discover Sustainability, 5(1).

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