Eco-anxiety and environmentally friendly consumption in emerging adults: the role of coping,perceived behavioural control, knowledge, and hope

Abstract

A considerable proportion of people worldwide report feeling anxious or worried about environmental crises. The concept of eco-anxiety (i.e. the anxiety about the current and predicted environmental damage or loss) has emerged only recently. However, research already shows that it can pose a risk to mental health, especially among potentially more vulnerable groups of people. Young generations are distinguished as a group that is more prone to experiencing the maladaptive effects of eco-anxiety. On the other hand, such anxiety can bean adaptive response and motivation to engage in pro-environmental behaviours. This project aims to explore the association between eco-anxiety and environmentally friendly consumption in emerging adults and examine what role other potentially significant factors (i.e.coping, perceived control, knowledge, hope, and sociodemographic characteristics) play in explaining this association. A correlational and longitudinal study design will be applied to evaluate the relationships between variables and to investigate how eco-anxiety predicts later consumption patterns. A two-wave study within one year will be conducted in a sample of emerging adults aged 18-29. Study measures will include questions about the experience of eco-anxiety, environmentally friendly consumption behaviours, knowledge on how to engage insuch practices, perceived behavioural control, coping strategies, hope, and sociodemographic variables. Project results will be presented in scientific publications, conference presentations, an article for the general public, recommendations for policymakers and interested organizations, and a project dissemination event. Postdoctoral research is expected to generate novel knowledge about the mechanism linking eco-anxiety and consumption over time and provide the basis for recommendations on how to encourage adaptive responses to environmental crises in young adults. Such knowledge is valuable in promoting both individual and planetary well-being.