Environmental Concern and Eco-anxiety in Filipino College Students

The growing psychological impact of climate change has led to increased concern about eco-anxiety among young people, especially college students. This study aims to determine the levels of connectedness to nature and eco-anxiety among college students in Bacolod City, Philippines, and to evaluate the relationship between these two variables. A descriptive-correlational method was used with data collected from 387 college students through standardized instruments. The statistical analysis technique used is Spearman Rho correlation to assess the relationship between the two psychological variables. The findings show that both connectedness to nature and eco-anxiety are at moderate levels across demographics such as age, sex, and academic program. However, the correlation between connectedness to nature and eco-anxiety was found to be very weak and statistically insignificant. It concludes that while students demonstrate moderate environmental concern and emotional connection to nature, these do not strongly influence each other. This suggests a complex and layered psychological response to environmental issues that requires further exploration through both local and cross-cultural research.