University of Twente Student Theses

Eco-anxiety in the Netherlands and Germany : An Investigation of the Relationship between General Anxiety, Eco-anxiety, and the Exposure to the Climate Crisis Media

Zolitschka, F.T. (2025) Eco-anxiety in the Netherlands and Germany : An Investigation of the Relationship between General Anxiety, Eco-anxiety, and the Exposure to the Climate Crisis Media.

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Full Text Status:	Access to this publication is restricted
Embargo date:	24 February 2027
Abstract:	Background: Emotions connected to the climate crisis, referred to as eco-emotions, can have significant negative consequences on the mental well-being of individuals. One of such eco emotions is eco-anxiety, which, despite its significance, lacks scientific exploration. Two factors that are affecting its severity are general anxiety levels and exposure to the climate change media. This study explores the interplay of these variables in the German and Dutch population. Method: To investigate the prevalence and relationships of general anxiety, eco-anxiety, and climate change-related media exposure, this study utilizes a quantitative cross-sectional study design that implements the questionnaires Eco-anxiety Questionnaire (EAQ-22), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7), and the media exposure part of the Media Exposure, Climate Anxiety, Mental Health (MECAMH) to assess the associated variables. 112 responses were collected, and linear and multiple linear regression analysis were conducted to test their relationships. Results: A significant positive relationship was found between general anxiety and eco-anxiety (p < .001). No relationship was found between general anxiety and the frequency of climate media exposure (p = 0.49). A multiple linear regression model was applied to test whether climate media exposure moderates the relationship of general anxiety and eco-anxiety, and the results indicated no relationship (p = 0.59). A positive relationship was found for one of the two subscales called negative consequences of eco-anxiety (p < .001). Conclusion: General anxiety and climate media exposure were found to be predictors of eco-anxiety and can influence its severity. No relationship was found between general anxiety and the frequency of climate related media exposure. Media exposure only had an interaction effect with general anxiety on the maladaptive effects of eco-anxiety but neither on the adaptive ones nor both scales combined.
Item Type:	Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:	BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:	77 psychology
Programme:	Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:	https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/104936
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