Climate Adaptation Self-Efficacy is Positively Associated with Subjective Well-Being: Evidence from 26 countries

Climate adaptation self-efficacy has been recognized as a key precedent influencing one’s climate adaptation behaviors. It is unclear, however, whether lacking such self-efficacy would have a consequence on one’s well-being and whether this pattern would vary across countries. Using data from an international survey across 26 countries, this study found a robust positive association between climate adaptation self-efficacy and subjective well-being with a modest effect size ( r = .32, 95% CI = [.29, .35]). This association was found to be stronger among countries lacking climate adaptive capacity and with greater economic inequality. These findings raise concerns that lacking climate adaptation self-efficacy may have adverse consequences for citizens’ well-being. • Climate adaptation self-efficacy is positively linked to life satisfaction. • Meta-analysis across 26 countries shows robust association (r = .32). • Effect remains after adjusting for demographics and national indicators. • Institutional adaptiveness and equality buffer low self-efficacy’s well-being cost.