The effect of eco-anxiety on pro-environmental behaviors and mental well-being: a parallel mediation model
Yağmur KERSE, Gökhan Kerse
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study focuses on the concept of eco-anxiety and examines its effect on mental well-being through pro-environmental behaviors. In this context, green buying, recycling, and low-carbon behaviors were specifically chosen as pro-environmental actions because they represent the most common everyday practices individuals adopt to reduce environmental impact. Previous research has generally examined pro-environmental actions separately; however, to the best of our knowledge, no study has investigated these behaviors together or simultaneously tested their parallel mediating roles. By addressing this gap, the present study aims to provide a more comprehensive explanation of the relationship between eco-anxiety and mental well-being. METHODS: The research was conducted using data collected through convenience sampling from 401 participants in a province in Turkey (51.1% female, 48.9% male; Generation X = 9.5%, Y = 49.4%, Z = 41.1%). While this approach ensured adequate sample size, it limits the generalizability of the findings. Data analyses were carried out using SPSS, AMOS, and the PROCESS macro software. RESULTS: The findings indicate that eco-anxiety had a significant negative effect on mental well-being, while it had significant positive effects on green buying behavior, recycling behavior, and low-carbon behavior. Furthermore, pro-environmental behaviors were found to have a significant positive effect on mental well-being. Finally, the analysis revealed that pro-environmental behaviors served as parallel mediators in the relationship between eco-anxiety and mental well-being. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that, although eco-anxiety is typically seen as a negative emotional response, it may also motivate positive pro-environmental behaviors, which in turn contribute to improved mental well-being.