The severity of the 2021 winter snowstorm in Texas and mental health: The protective effects of optimism

The 2021 winter snowstorms in Texas resulted in fatalities and significant economic losses, raising concerns about their long-term psychological effects on affected populations. However, optimism has been identified as a protective factor following natural disasters and is associated with improved mental health outcomes among survivors. This study investigated the association between 2021 winter snowstorm severity and anxiety in Texas, with particular attention to the mediating roles of concern about future winter weather and optimism. Data were collected in June 2025 via an online survey, with electronic consent. The sample included 410 adults aged 20 and older who lived in Texas during the 2021 winter storm at the time of the survey. Serial mediation analysis was conducted using the PROCESS macro. Severe 2021 Texas winter storms were indirectly associated with higher anxiety through increased concern about future winter weather, while optimism was associated with lower levels of anxiety directly and indirectly. The findings suggest the importance of addressing anticipatory stress related to the impact of severe weather and of strengthening protective factors, such as optimism.