Association of Climate Change Anxiety with Mental Well-being Towards Sustainability

Climate Change Anxiety refers to the distress and worry individuals experience due to the perceived or actual impacts of climate change, such as extreme weather events, environmental degradation, or future uncertainties. This anxiety can manifest in various ways, affecting Mental Well-being by increasing stress levels, undermining feelings of security, and influencing overall emotional stability. The paper thus explores the relationship between Climate Change Anxiety and Mental Well-being. The sample for the present study consisted of 150 University students. Two psychological instruments, ‘Climate Change Anxiety Scale’ by Clayton and Karazsia, (2020), and ‘The Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale’ (WEMWBS) by Stewart-Brown and Janmohamed (2008) measured the variables taken up for the study. Regression analysis was applied to compute the data. The results indicate that there is a positive and significant correlation between Climate Change Anxiety and Mental Well-being r = 0.284 (p <0.01). Moreover, Climate Change Anxiety had a significant contribution in the determination of Mental Well-being (F=12.955, p <0.01). Recognizing and addressing these psychological impacts, individuals can better navigate the challenges posed by climate change; consequently promoting Mental Well-being. The present study is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal-Climate Action and Mental Well-being (SDG-13), and Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3).