Psychological well-being and environmental identity: A cross-cultural study of young adults in Russia and France

Introduction. Contemporary society faces escalating environmental challenges, yet existing research lacks a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between psychological well-being, environmental identity, and value orientations across cultures. This study investigates these relationships among young adults in Russia and France using quantitative survey methods and statistical analysis. Materials and Methods. The study involved a sample of young adults aged 19 to 34 from Russia and France (N = 109). Data were collected via an online survey that incorporated standardized measures: Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale, Clayton’s Environmental Identity Scale, and Schwartz’s Value Survey. Correlation and regression analyses were employed to identify cross-cultural differences and relationships between variables. Results. The study revealed significant cross-cultural differences in psychological well-being and value orientations. Russian participants scored higher in overall psychological well-being, autonomy, environmental mastery, and personal growth. No significant differences were found in environmental identity levels between groups. Universalism and conformity exhibited consistent associations with environmental identity across nationalities, underscoring their universal role in fostering pro-environmental behavior. Conversely, power-related values correlated negatively with environmental identity in France but positively in Russia. These findings provide insights into how cultural values influence environmental identity and psychological well-being. Conclusion. The results hold implications for designing culturally tailored environmental education programs and enhancing well-being of young adults across diverse sociocultural contexts. They underscore the necessity of accounting for cultural background in interventions targeting environmental identity and psychological health. Future research should further explore the role of social norms and policy frameworks in pro-environmental behavior and psychological resilience in young populations.