Ecoanxiety and pro-environmental behaviour in adolescents

Eco-anxiety is increasingly recognized as a significant psychological phenomenon among adolescents, reflecting their deep concern about climate change and environmental degradation. This chapter delves into the concept, the generating factors, and implications of eco-anxiety in young people, examini...

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Detalhes bibliográficos
Autores: Vila Tojo, Sergio, Gómez Román, Cristina, Lisboa, Paulo Vítor, Monteiro, Ana Paula, Cunha, Pedro
Tipo de documento: capítulo de livro
Data de publicação:2025
País:España
Recursos:Universidad de Santiago de Compostela (USC)
Repositório:Minerva. Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Santiago de Compostela
Idioma:inglês
OAI Identifier:oai:minerva.usc.gal:10347/45356
Acesso em linha:https://hdl.handle.net/10347/45356
Access Level:Acceso aberto
Palavra-chave:Eco-anxiety
Pro-environmental behaviour
Adolescents
Coping strategies
Descrição
Resumo:Eco-anxiety is increasingly recognized as a significant psychological phenomenon among adolescents, reflecting their deep concern about climate change and environmental degradation. This chapter delves into the concept, the generating factors, and implications of eco-anxiety in young people, examining the dual role of eco-anxiety as both a psychological barrier and a potential catalyst for environ-mental action. On one hand, eco-anxiety has been observed to paralyze, leading to inaction due to the overwhelming nature of environmental crises. On the other hand, eco-anxiety can act as a catalyst for pro-environmental behaviours, motivating young individuals to engage in actions that mitigate these threats. We discuss how the perception of the severity of the environmental threat and belief in a personal capacity to effect change influence mobilization towards pro-environmental behaviour. Addi-tionally, the chapter identifies the need for targeted interventions to support adoles-cents in transforming their anxiety into action. Applying strategies that enhance group identity and social norms, we explore how eco-anxiety can be transformed into a constructive force for environmental engagement among young individuals