Relationship Between Eco-Anxiety, Environmental Identity, and Pro-Environmental Behaviour among Young Adults

Abstract

Changes in climate and environmental degradation have resulted in rising levels of eco-anxiety, especially among young adults who are acutely aware of global ecological crises. Although eco-anxiety has frequently been linked to psychological distress, studies have indicated that it may also encourage pro-environmental behavior. Furthermore, another significant factor affecting environmental actions is environmental identity, which signifies how much people believe they are connected to nature. There is a lack of research into the relations between these variables in the Indian setting. This research analysed at the interconnections of eco-anxiety, environmental identity, and pro-environmental behaviour in young adults in India. A correlational research design was utilized, and data were gathered from 200 participants, in the age range of 18 and 25 years. Data was collected employing the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-13), the Revised Environmental Identity Scale, and the Pro-Environmental Behavior Scale. The study found that higher levels of eco-anxiety and a stronger environmental identity were significantly associated with greater participation in pro-environmental behaviors.The results provided valuable insights into how emotional and identity-related factors influenced sustainable actions among Indian youth. The study contributed to the growing field of environmental psychology by offering a culturally relevant perspective on eco-anxiety and its behavioral implications. These findings could be used to inform mental health interventions, environmental awareness programs, and policy initiatives aimed at fostering pro-environmental behavior.