An exploration of eco-anxiety and environmental engagement in Malta

Abstract

The ecological crisis has triggered emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. One such response, eco-anxiety, arises from concerns about environmental degradation, and can drive individuals to take action or otherwise. This study explored eco-anxiety and environmental engagement among a Maltese sample using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, drawing on Appraisal Theory and the Campbell Paradigm of Attitudes. The 13-item Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale assessed eco-anxiety levels in 243 Maltese adults via an online questionnaire, which also investigated pro-environmental intentions, behaviours, and climate change news exposure. Findings revealed positive correlations between eco-anxiety and both pro-environmental intentions and behaviours, though the latter was less pronounced. Eco-anxiety significantly correlated with climate change news exposure. In the second phase, four qualitative focus groups provided deeper insights into Maltese individuals' appraisals of the ecological crisis. Participants’ negative emotions related to ecological degradation stemmed from feeling ineffective in addressing the crisis despite their intentions. They identified barriers, such as inconvenience, cost, and time, which outweighed their positive attitudes towards pro-environmental actions. The study highlights the need to reframe the ecological crisis to promote practical eco-anxiety and environmental engagement, with implications for environmental psychology, conservation and media reporting.