Eco-anxiety and eco-hope shaping the relationship between environmental identity and pro-environmental behavior: from self to action

Introduction Understanding the psychological determinants of pro-environmental behavior is critical in addressing the escalating climate crisis. Despite increasing recognition of an important predictor of environmentally responsible actions, the role and interaction of eco-emotions remain insufficiently examined. This gap is particularly evident in non-Western contexts such as India. Methods This study aimed to examine the influence of environmental identity on pro-environmental behavior, with particular attention to the role of eco-emotions within this relationship. The study further examines the mediating roles of eco-anxiety and eco-hope, and the moderating effect of eco- hope on the identity–anxiety–behavior pathway. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, collecting data from 395 adults across India (ages 18–60, Indian residents, fluent in English, no diagnosed mental illnesses) via convenience sampling using online questionnaires. Measures included the Environmental Identity Scale by Clayton, Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale by Hogg, Climate Change Hope Scale by Li and Monroe, and Pro-Environmental Behaviour Scale by Markle. Regression, mediation, and moderated mediation analyses were conducted using SPSS PROCESS. Results Results indicated that environmental identity significantly predicted pro-environmental behavior, with eco-anxiety partially mediating this association. Eco-hope did not independently mediate pro- environmental behavior and did not moderate the indirect effect of identity through eco-anxiety. Discussion These findings suggest that interventions promoting environmental identity should simultaneously cultivate constructive concern and realistic hope, optimizing engagement in sustainable behaviors. The study contributes to the understanding of identity–emotion–behavior dynamics in environmental psychology and underscores culturally contextualized strategies to foster climate action.