The Impact of Climate Anxiety on Youth Mental Health: A Cross-National Comparative Analysis
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.66715/ijnn/2026.v2.i1.118124 | Original Research | 2026 | Volume 2 | Issue 1 | Page 118-124
DR. GAURAV UPPAL, Current Designation: Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist, Address: 950 G , Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar , Ludhiana, Punjab ,India 141013, Email: drgauravuppal@gmail.com
Dr. Ajaypal Singh, Designation: Consultant Psychiatrist, Address: 261C, Sector 51A, Chandigarh 160047
Mobile no:8118879593, Email: dr.ajaypalsinghmd@gmail.com
Dr. Gaurav Uppal,
Current Designation: Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist,
Address: 950 G , Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar , Ludhiana, Punjab ,India 141013, Email: Drgauravuppal@Gmail.Com
Abstract
Background: Climate change is increasingly recognized not only as an environmental and public health challenge but also as an emerging psychological stressor, particularly among young people. Persistent concerns regarding extreme weather events, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and uncertainty about the future may contribute to climate anxiety and adversely affect psychological well-being. However, the intensity and mental health consequences of climate anxiety may differ across countries because of variations in climate vulnerability, socioeconomic conditions, cultural context, and access to mental health resources.
Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between climate anxiety and mental health outcomes among youth and to compare the prevalence, severity, and psychological correlates of climate anxiety across different national contexts.
Methods: A cross-national comparative study was designed involving adolescents and young adults from selected countries representing diverse socioeconomic and climatic conditions. Participants were assessed using standardized measures of climate-related anxiety alongside validated measures of depression, generalized anxiety, perceived stress, psychological well-being, and functional impairment. Sociodemographic characteristics, personal exposure to climate-related events, environmental attitudes, perceived governmental response, social support, and coping strategies were also evaluated. Multivariable statistical analyses were used to examine associations between climate anxiety and mental health outcomes and to identify potential cross-national differences.
Results: Higher levels of climate anxiety were associated with greater symptoms of generalized anxiety, depressive distress, perceived stress, sleep-related difficulties, and reduced psychological well-being. Youth reporting direct experience of climate-related disasters or strong perceptions of environmental threat demonstrated comparatively greater psychological distress. Cross-national variations were observed, suggesting that socioeconomic circumstances, climate vulnerability, institutional trust, social support, and opportunities for constructive environmental engagement may influence the psychological impact of climate concerns. Adaptive coping and participation in meaningful climate-related activities appeared to mitigate some negative mental health effects.
Conclusion: Climate anxiety represents an emerging mental health concern among youth, although its magnitude and consequences vary across social and national contexts. Integrating climate-related psychological concerns into youth mental health services, strengthening resilience and adaptive coping, improving climate communication, and providing opportunities for meaningful environmental participation may help reduce distress. Cross-national collaboration and longitudinal research are needed to better understand the evolving relationship between climate change perceptions and youth mental health.
Keywords: Climate anxiety; Eco-anxiety; Climate change; Youth mental health; Depression; Psychological distress; Adolescents; Young adults; Cross-national analysis.