Latent Profiles of Eco-Anxiety: Resilience, and Vulnerability Factors in a Portuguese-Sample

Eco-anxiety refers to emotional and cognitive responses to environmental degradation and can manifest in both adaptive and maladaptive forms. This study aimed to identify distinct eco-anxiety profiles and examine their associations with resilience and vulnerability factors in a sample of 917 Portuguese-speaking adults. Latent profile analysis revealed five profiles: adaptive eco-anxiety, highly impaired maladaptive eco-anxiety, psychological distress independent of eco-anxiety, non-anxious/disengaged, and moderate I I have separated the addresses into different affiliations.have separated the addresses into different affiliations.eco-anxiety. These profiles differed significantly in psychological symptomatology, nature connectedness, pro-environmental attitudes, and prior exposure to cumulative social and environmental stressors. Higher-distress profiles were more likely among younger individuals, women, urban residents, unemployed participants, those without children, individuals with a prior psychiatric history, and those reporting direct exposure to drought. In contrast, stronger environmental identity and greater engagement with natural environments were associated with adaptive eco-anxiety, suggesting protective and resilience-promoting mechanisms. Overall, the findings highlight the multidimensional and heterogeneous nature of eco-anxiety and its complex relationship with psychological well-being and environmental engagement. Tailored interventions that promote adaptive coping, strengthen psychological resources, and facilitate access to natural environments may help mitigate maladaptive distress while supporting constructive environmental concern and action.