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. 2025 Aug;60(4):e70084.
doi: 10.1002/ijop.70084.

Eco-Emotions, Mental Ill-Health Symptoms and Climate Action Among Australian Adolescents: The Protective Role of Connectedness to Nature

Yumiko Coffey  1 , Nicola Schutte  1 , Marg Rogers  1 , Navjot Bhullar  1   2
Affiliations

Eco-Emotions, Mental Ill-Health Symptoms and Climate Action Among Australian Adolescents: The Protective Role of Connectedness to Nature

Yumiko Coffey et al. Int J Psychol. 2025 Aug.

Abstract

This study addresses a gap in understanding the relationship between eco-emotions, mental health and pro-climate actions among adolescents living in rural Australia. A mixed methods approach was used to triangulate survey data (N = 145, mean age = 13.09 years, SD = 0.73) and photo-elicitation focus groups (n = 21, mean age = 12.95 years, SD = 0.58). Bivariate and moderation analyses of the survey revealed that a stronger connection to nature moderated the relationship between eco-anger and mental ill-health symptoms and pro-climate actions, respectively. Thematic analysis of the focus group data provided deeper insights, showing that participants with a connection to nature felt a sense of responsibility and willingness to engage in pro-climate actions. Triangulation of the data revealed a gap between awareness and action. While survey data indicated low levels of individual and collective action, qualitative findings provided an explanation that although many participants expressed a desire to be involved in climate action, they identified a need for more practical support and guidance from adults. The study provides insights into the need for practical, targeted interventions that support mental health and encourage constructive climate-related behaviours, particularly by leveraging the protective role of connectedness to nature.

Keywords: adolescents; climate change; eco‐emotions; mental health; pro‐climate action.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Conceptual model exploring the relationships between eco‐emotions, connectedness to nature, mental ill‐health symptoms and pro‐climate actions.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Relationship between eco‐anger and mental ill‐health symptoms as a function of connectedness to nature.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Relationship between eco‐anger and individual action as a function of connectedness to nature.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Relationship between eco‐depression and collective action as a function of connectedness to nature.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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