Exploring Eco- Emotions: A Comparative Analysis of Psychological Origin and Behavioural Impact in Teenagers and Young Adults

As environmental issues intensify, understanding their emotional impact on younger populations is crucial, as adolescents and young adults will face these changes firsthand. This study examines the eco-emotions experienced by these age groups, their psychological origins, and their influence on behaviour. The research addresses three key questions: (1) What common eco-emotions arise in teenagers and young adults? (2) What are their psychological origins? (3) How do they shape behaviour? Using semi-structured interviews with 10 participants, thematic analysis identified key themes in self-reported experiences. While the small sample size (N=10) limits generalizability, the study uniquely bridges developmental and environmental psychology, offering novel insights into age-based eco-emotional differences.