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Eco-Anxiety Without Borders: A Cross-National Study on Climate Perceptions, Beliefs About Government Climate Action, and Climate Concern

Author

Listed:
  • Fatih Cebeci
  • Marc Eric S. Reyes
  • Matteo Innocenti
  • Georgekutty Kochuchakkalackal
  • Wendy Jeremie
  • Agnes Buvar
  • Irmak Atak
  • Merve Karaman
  • Rümeysa Dinçer
  • Sinem CankardaÅŸ Nalbantçılar
  • Elshan Mammadov
  • Chiara Cadeddu
  • Ma. Criselda T. Pacquing
  • Csilla à goston
  • Gabriele Santarelli
  • Ryan Francis O. Cayubit
  • Thomas Kuttiankal
  • Kıvanç Uzun
  • Karen Katrina V. Trinidad
  • Sanae Okamoto
  • Tarana Karimova
  • Taner Artan

Abstract

Background: Eco-anxiety has become a prominent emotional response to the global climate crisis, yet there is a lack of empirical research examining its prevalence and correlates across diverse cultural and national contexts. Objective: This study aimed to investigate levels of eco-anxiety and its associations with age, perceived knowledge, climate risk perception, and beliefs about governmental climate action across participants from six countries. Results: Data were collected from 2,206 participants across India, Italy, the Philippines, Türkiye, Trinidad and Tobago, and Hungary. Statistically significant cross-national differences were found in eco-anxiety, perceived knowledge, climate risk perception, and beliefs about government action. Italian participants reported the highest levels of eco-anxiety, while Hungarian participants reported the lowest. Correlational analyses showed that eco-anxiety was positively associated with climate risk perception and perceived knowledge, but negatively associated with age and beliefs in government action. Discussion: The findings reveal that eco-anxiety is shaped by both cognitive and sociopolitical factors. Risk perception and climate knowledge appear to intensify emotional responses, while belief in government action may serve as a mitigating factor. Age-related differences suggest that younger individuals are more emotionally impacted by climate concerns. Conclusion: This study underscores the need for culturally sensitive public policy and mental health interventions to address the psychological dimensions of the climate crisis.

Suggested Citation

  • Fatih Cebeci & Marc Eric S. Reyes & Matteo Innocenti & Georgekutty Kochuchakkalackal & Wendy Jeremie & Agnes Buvar & Irmak Atak & Merve Karaman & Rümeysa Dinçer & Sinem CankardaÅŸ Nalbantçılar & E, 2026. "Eco-Anxiety Without Borders: A Cross-National Study on Climate Perceptions, Beliefs About Government Climate Action, and Climate Concern," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 72(3), pages 657-667, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:72:y:2026:i:3:p:657-667
    DOI: 10.1177/00207640251378601
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    References listed on IDEAS

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