Project_2752393

Background: Eco-anxiety, defined as persistent psychological distress related to environmental degradation and climate change, has emerged as a significant psychological phenomenon affecting young people worldwide. While climate change represents a global challenge, psychological responses to environmental threats vary significantly across cultural, socioeconomic, and geographical contexts. Current research on eco-anxiety has focused predominantly on Western populations in English-speaking countries, creating a substantial knowledge gap regarding experiences across diverse European contexts, particularly when comparing Nordic countries with post-socialist Central European nations.
Objectives: This study investigates eco-anxiety experiences and perceptions among young adults (aged 18-30) across five European countries: Norway, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, and Poland. The primary research question examines how young adults in these countries experience and understand eco-anxiety, and what public health approaches and mental health interventions can effectively address climate-related psychological distress across different cultural contexts.
Methods: This mixed-methods study employs a convergent parallel design combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The quantitative phase includes a population-based online survey distributed to 200 participants per country (N=1000 total), utilizing validated instruments including the Climate Change Anxiety Scale, Environmental Concern Scale, Public Health Impact Assessment, and Mental Health Service Utilization Questionnaire. Statistical analysis using SPSS will enable cross-country comparisons and prevalence calculations. The qualitative phase comprises semi-structured interviews (15-20 per country, N=100 total) and focus groups exploring community-based coping strategies. Cross-cultural validation is ensured through translation and back-translation procedures, cultural adaptation workshops, and pilot testing.
Expected contributions: This study will provide the first comprehensive cross-cultural analysis of eco-anxiety as a public health challenge in Central Europe, advance theoretical understanding of how cultural contexts shape psychological responses to environmental threats, and deliver validated instrument translations in five languages. Findings will inform evidence-based recommendations for educational institutions, mental health services, environmental organizations, and policy development supporting young people's environmental mental health.

The project is financed by Kristiania University College