Understanding the Link between Environmental Identity, Eco-anxiety, Intolerance of Uncertainty and Mental Well-being

Abstract

Climate change is becoming a growing threat to the health of both the planet and people. As more people face ecological changes, more people experience challenging emotions such as anxiety about the future. In this study, a model of the relationship between environmental identity, intolerance of uncertainty and mental well-being was tested using structural equation modelling to determine the mediating role of eco-anxiety. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 392 individuals (aged 18-59) in Turkiye using convenience sampling method. SEM showed the partial mediating effect of eco-anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty on the relationship between environmental identity and mental well-being. Environmental identity has a direct and indirect effect on mental well-being through eco-anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty. Eco-anxiety also has a direct and indirect effect on mental well-being through intolerance of uncertainty. As a result, in the face of the negative effects of ecological changes on people's mental health, individuals with higher levels of environmental identity will be more likely to develop good mental health when they can control their levels of eco-anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty. In addition, the positive effect of the measures that can be taken against climate change on nature is an important factor that can increase the well-being of individuals. These findings suggest that interventions targeting eco-anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty, particularly in culturally diverse populations, can promote better mental well-being in the face of climate-related stress. Developing psychological strategies that enhance environmental identity could serve as an important tool for fostering resilience against the psychological impacts of ecological changes.