Coffey Yumiko, Schutte Nicola, Rogers Marg, Bhullar Navjot
University of New England, Armidale, Australia.
University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia.
Int J Psychol. 2025 Aug;60(4):e70084. doi: 10.1002/ijop.70084.
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.
本研究填补了在理解澳大利亚农村青少年的生态情感、心理健康与亲气候行动之间关系方面的空白。采用了混合方法来对调查数据（N = 145，平均年龄 = 13.09岁，标准差 = 0.73）和照片引发焦点小组数据（n = 21，平均年龄 = 12.95岁，标准差 = 0.58）进行三角互证。调查的双变量和调节分析表明，与自然更强的联系分别调节了生态愤怒与心理健康症状以及亲气候行动之间的关系。焦点小组数据的主题分析提供了更深入的见解，表明与自然有联系的参与者感到有责任感并愿意参与亲气候行动。数据的三角互证揭示了认知与行动之间的差距。虽然调查数据显示个人和集体行动水平较低，但定性研究结果给出了解释，即尽管许多参与者表示希望参与气候行动，但他们指出需要成年人提供更多实际支持和指导。该研究揭示了对切实可行的、有针对性的干预措施的需求，这些措施应支持心理健康并鼓励与气候相关的建设性行为，特别是通过利用与自然的联系所起的保护作用。
