Eco-conscious or eco-anxious? An exploration of eco-anxiety within the Maltese context using a mixed-methods research design

Abstract

Scientific evidence and public advocacy points towards the legitimacy of climate change and environmental degradation, and the urgency of pro-environmental actions to mitigate this global crisis given its extensive effects being felt on an individual, communal, national and global level. Recent psychological literature has started to explore the mental health impacts of the ecological crisis. Eco anxiety is one such implication that has emerged as a 'hot potato' within both lay and professional jargon, defined as anxiety about different environmental events, about these events' effects and about the general state of our planet. This study sought to explore eco-anxiety as it is experienced by the Maltese population through an explanatory sequential mixed methods research design. The first quantitative phase identified eco-anxiety incidence using the 13-item Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale, alongside demographics, including gender, age and work, via an online questionnaire administered to 243 Maltese adults. The quantitative findings displayed a significant relationship between working in climate change/environment related fields and higher eco-anxiety levels. Subsequently, four qualitative focus groups were conducted within the qualitative phase to delve deeper into the cognitive, behavioural and emotional experiences derived from global and local environmental degradation. Following thematic analysis, the following themes emerged: Ecology, Coping Potential, Action and Engagement, and Perceived Solutions. Participants expressed predominantly negative emotions in response to global and local ecological degradation, with only a minority reporting feelings of hope and curiosity. This tied in with perceived efficacy in contributing through personal and collective actions, alongside the challenges posed by disincentives and barriers that hinder individuals from acting on their pro-environmental intentions. The study suggests that further research is needed to understand the relationship between eco-anxiety and working in climate change and environmental-related fields. It remains unclear whether eco anxiety precedes such careers, the careers trigger eco-anxiety, or if the relationship is cyclical.