Do perceived natural environment and eco-anxiety relate to mental health and quality of life? Findings from a representative adult sample

Abstract

Using data representing the Australian community (n=1083), this study examines whether there is a link between the way individuals perceive their natural living environment and their mental health state. Linear mixed model regressions are used to assess the associations of environmental (perception of environmental problems and eco-anxiety) and non-environmental variables on mental health and quality of life. A small significant association between eco-anxiety and quality of life was found but no significant effects of environmental variables were obtained on mental distress. Our findings suggest that non-environmental explanatory variables, in particular the socioeconomic situation, drive more variance in mental health.