Linkages Between Climate Change Anxiety, Mental Health, and Eco-Activism in University Students

Climate change poses a psychological burden on young people’s health and mental health. Yet limited research explores how climate-related anxiety intersects with mental health and eco-behavioral engagement in university settings. This study examined the relationship between climate change anxiety, mental health symptoms, and eco-activism among undergraduate and graduate students (n = 126) at a large western U.S. university. Participants completed validated measures of climate anxiety, depression, generalized anxiety, and eco-activism through an online survey. Results indicated moderate levels of climate change anxiety across the sample. Students identifying as female or non-binary reported significantly higher cognitive-emotional impairment and greater ecological behavioral engagement compared to male students. Political affiliation and household income were also significantly associated with climate anxiety dimensions. Climate anxiety positively correlated with symptoms of depression and generalized anxiety, as well as with engagement in eco-activism such as environmental leadership and participation. However, no significant differences emerged in climate anxiety functional impairment across demographic variables. Findings suggest that climate anxiety is a mental health concern and a motivator for ecological action. Higher education institutions should consider expanding support systems that address students’ climate-related anxiety and equip them with resources to process ecological concern while also engaging in pro-environmental behavior.