Eco-Anxiety and its relationship with Meaning in Life and Intolerance of Uncertainty in Young Adults

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between eco-anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, and meaning in life, as well as to explore the predictive role of these variables in explaining eco-anxiety. A sample of 231 participants was assessed using standardized measures of eco-anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, and meaning in life, including both presence and search dimensions. Descriptive statistics indicated moderate levels of eco-anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty, along with relatively high levels of meaning in life among participants. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between eco-anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty, and moderate negative relationships between eco-anxiety and both presence and search for meaning in life. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that intolerance of uncertainty, presence of meaning, and search for meaning significantly predicted eco-anxiety, with the model explaining 69.4% of the variance. Intolerance of uncertainty emerged as the strongest predictor. The findings suggest that individuals who struggle to tolerate uncertainty are more vulnerable to eco-anxiety, whereas meaning in life serves as a protective factor, although its predictive role is influenced by interrelationships among variables. The study highlights the importance of both cognitive and existential factors in understanding psychological responses to climate change and suggests implications for interventions aimed at reducing eco-anxiety.