Eco-Emotions and Suicidal Ideation and Behavior

Abstract: Background: Although there have been assumptions about the link between eco-emotions and suicidality, there is currently no systematic evidence. Aim: To systematically examine literature analyzing the link between eco-emotions and suicidal ideation and behaviors. Methods: A systematic literature review, registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022352379) following the PRISMA checklist, involved searches in seven databases for peer-reviewed articles published from January 2000 until January 2026. All study designs that presented primary empirical analyses of eco-emotions in connection with suicidal ideation and behaviors were included. The Joanna Briggs Institute’s tools were used for quality assessment. Results: Searches revealed 2,074 records. After removal of duplicates, 1,505 articles were screened for abstracts and 79 for full text. Twelve papers satisfied the inclusion criteria: eight cross-sectional, two qualitative studies, a quasiexperimental, and a case report. Eight studies statistically analyzed the link between eco-emotions and suicidality on individual level. The univariate analyses showed positive correlations between different eco-emotions and suicidality. However, in some studies, the multivariate analyses, adjusting for confounding factors, found the association to be mediated by other factors such as mental health or feelings of entrapment. Limitations: Our searches were limited to English language. Conclusions: There is limited research regarding the association between eco-emotions and suicidality. Our review suggests an association between eco-emotions and suicidality, which might be mediated by other factors. Caution needs to be exercised in the interpretation of these results considering the design limitations of the studies. In keeping with advancing climate change research, our review emphasizes an urgent need for high level research.