Measurement of climate change anxiety and its mediating effect between experience of climate change and mitigation actions of Filipino youth

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to 1) investigate the psychometric properties of the Climate Change Anxiety Scale or CCAS (Clayton & Karazsia, 2020) and 2) examine the mediating role of climate change anxiety on the link between experience of climate change and behavioural engagement in climate mitigation in Filipino youth. Method A total of 452 Filipino adolescents responded to the survey (Mean Age = 19.18, SD = .99). Results A modified two-factor model of the CCAS displayed superior fit relative to the other three models tested. Confirmatory factor analysis in Phase 1 yielded a stable two-factor structure with strong factor loadings and good internal consistency. In Phase 2, cognitive-emotional, but not the functional impairment component of climate anxiety, showed a mediating effect on the relationship between experience of climate change and behavioural engagement in climate mitigation. Conclusions This study is the first to demonstrate that CCAS subscales have distinct mediating roles in linking Filipino adolescents’ experience of climate change and mitigation behaviours. Further validation of the CCAS is recommended, as well as further research on the factors that can promote environment-friendly behaviours in Filipino youth. KEY POINTS What is already known about this topic: (1) Only two studies to date examined the psychometric properties of the Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS), which both used samples from WEIRD countries. (2) There is a dearth of studies on climate change anxiety in a non-WEIRD country such as the Philippines. (3) Those who experienced the consequences of climate change are more likely to engage in actions that help mitigate it. What this topic adds: (1) As a psychometrically sound tool, the Climate Change Anxiety Scale can be used to measure climate anxiety in Filipino youth. (2) Psychologists should be prepared to address the negative impacts of the climate crisis on youth mental health. (3) The study provides meaningful insights that can be used in educating the younger generations in mitigating climate change.