UNRAVELING ECO-ANXIETY: THE ROLE OF GENDER AND PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAITS IN SHAPING ENVIRONMENTAL DISTRESS
Abstract
Eco-anxiety, the psychological distress caused by concerns over climate change and environmental degradation, has emerged as a critical issue in environmental psychology. This study examines the roles of gender and psychological traits in shaping eco-anxiety levels, aiming to identify key demographic and psychological predictors. A survey was conducted among 60 participants, assessing their eco-anxiety levels, gender, and psychological characteristics such as generalized anxiety, chronic worry, and the inability to control worry. Data were analyzed using multiple regression to quantify the relationships between these factors. The results revealed that women exhibited significantly higher levels of eco-anxiety compared to men, highlighting the influence of societal and cultural factors. Generalized anxiety and chronic worry emerged as the strongest predictors of eco-anxiety, while the inability to control worry was not statistically significant. These findings suggest that eco-anxiety is driven by specific environmental concerns and emotional predispositions rather than general stress or thought patterns. The study advances the understanding of eco-anxiety by providing empirical evidence on its demographic and psychological determinants. It underscores the need for gender-sensitive interventions and mental health strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of eco-anxiety. Future research should explore additional variables and employ longitudinal designs to deepen insights into this growing phenomenon.References
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