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Background <p>Climate change has transitioned from a distant environmental issue to an immediate psychological reality that profoundly affects how individuals perceive their future and well-being. This study investigates generational differences in climate anxiety and examines the role of psychological capital (PsyCap) as a potential protective resource through the lens of Environmental Identity Theory (EIT).</p> Methods <p>A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 384 participants in Kerala, India, comprising Generation X (33.6%), Millennials (29.9%), and Generation Z (36.5%). Climate anxiety was measured using the Climate Anxiety Scale (Clayton &amp; Karazsia, 2020), and PsyCap was assessed through the PCQ-12, encompassing hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and multiple regression, with effect sizes and confidence intervals reported.</p> Results <p>Significant generational differences emerged for both cognitive–emotional impairment (<i>F</i>(2,381) = 3.83, <i>p</i> = .023) and functional impairment (<i>F</i>(2,381) = 6.15, <i>p</i> = .002). Gen Z reported significantly higher anxiety levels than Millennials (<i>p</i> = .045, <i>d</i> = − 0.29*) and Gen X (<i>p</i> = .011, <i>d</i> = − 0.35*). Regression analyses indicated that PsyCap and generation jointly predicted cognitive–emotional (<i>R²</i> = 0.04, <i>p</i> = .008) and functional impairments (<i>R²</i> = 0.056, <i>p</i> = .001), with self-efficacy emerging as a significant negatively associated with functional impairment (<i>B</i> = − 0.12, <i>p</i> = .043).</p> Conclusion <p>Gen Z experiences greater emotional and functional impacts of climate anxiety compared to older cohorts, while self-efficacy offers a modest buffering effect for functional impairment. These findings underscore the need for interventions that strengthen psychological resources and adaptive coping to mitigate climate-related distress among younger populations.</p>

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The role of psychological capital in shaping climate anxiety across generations

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月23日

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  • Elsa Kappan,
  • Vijayalaya Srinivas Thiagarajan

摘要

Background

Climate change has transitioned from a distant environmental issue to an immediate psychological reality that profoundly affects how individuals perceive their future and well-being. This study investigates generational differences in climate anxiety and examines the role of psychological capital (PsyCap) as a potential protective resource through the lens of Environmental Identity Theory (EIT).

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 384 participants in Kerala, India, comprising Generation X (33.6%), Millennials (29.9%), and Generation Z (36.5%). Climate anxiety was measured using the Climate Anxiety Scale (Clayton & Karazsia, 2020), and PsyCap was assessed through the PCQ-12, encompassing hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and multiple regression, with effect sizes and confidence intervals reported.

Results

Significant generational differences emerged for both cognitive–emotional impairment (F(2,381) = 3.83, p = .023) and functional impairment (F(2,381) = 6.15, p = .002). Gen Z reported significantly higher anxiety levels than Millennials (p = .045, d = − 0.29*) and Gen X (p = .011, d = − 0.35*). Regression analyses indicated that PsyCap and generation jointly predicted cognitive–emotional (R² = 0.04, p = .008) and functional impairments (R² = 0.056, p = .001), with self-efficacy emerging as a significant negatively associated with functional impairment (B = − 0.12, p = .043).

Conclusion

Gen Z experiences greater emotional and functional impacts of climate anxiety compared to older cohorts, while self-efficacy offers a modest buffering effect for functional impairment. These findings underscore the need for interventions that strengthen psychological resources and adaptive coping to mitigate climate-related distress among younger populations.