The Psychological Impact of Eco-anxiety

Eco-anxiety, as defined by the American Psychological Association, is the chronic fear of environment doom characterized by a range of emotions, including grief, worry, and guilt. It is an increasingly recognized concern to mental health as suggested by recent studies. This literature review aims to delve into the psychological impact of eco-anxiety, focusing on how climate change influences mental health. Through an in depth analysis of the five studies, the review will explore the mechanisms contributing to eco-anxiety, its impact on different demographic groups and the implications for health and policy. The findings suggest that the phenomenon of eco-anxiety is driven by a complex interplay of media influence, perceived threats, and feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness leading to significant behavioral outcomes. These outcomes include numerous types of coping strategies, impairment of daily lives and disruption of cognitive functioning. Furthermore, the review highlights the importance of addressing eco-anxiety. Furthermore, the review suggests the need for improved interventions, such as targeting cognitive appraisal, to mitigate the challenges posed by eco-anxiety.