Hope for the Future: Associations Between Eco-Anxiety, Pro-Environmental Behaviors, and Hope Among Young Adults in Turkiye

Abstract

Aim: This study examined the associations between eco-anxiety, pro-environmental behaviors, and hope related to climate change among young adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between June and August 2025 with 520 young adults in Turkiye. Data were collected using an Information Form, the Eco-Anxiety Scale, the Environmental Behavior Scale (EBS), and the Climate Change Hope Scale (CCHS). Correlation and mediation analyses (PROCESS Model 4) were conducted. Results: A very weak but statistically significant positive association was found between eco-anxiety and total EBS scores (r = 0.199, p < 0.001). No significant association was observed between eco-anxiety and total CCHS scores (r = 0.018, p > 0.05). A very weak but statistically significant negative association was identified between total CCHS and EBS scores (r = -0.217, p < 0.001). Mediation analysis showed that the association between eco-anxiety and hope was fully mediated by pro-environmental behaviors, explaining 8.9% of the variance (R-2 = 0.089, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Eco-anxiety was associated with greater engagement in pro-environmental behaviors, while higher levels of pro-environmental behaviors were associated with lower levels of hope. Psychiatric and mental health nurses may support young adults' resilience through brief, hope-focused and psychoeducational interventions addressing climate-related distress.