Excluded voices – investigating youth climate anxiety and distress beyond Western contexts

Bibliographic Data

ID21721104
AuthorsCindy Chuah (0000-0001-7331-6434, Sunway University Department of Marketing Strategy and Innovation, , Bandar Sunway), Stephen Thomas Homer (0000-0003-1349-1198, Sunway University), Wee Hong Loo (Sunway University Department of Marketing Strategy and Innovation, , Bandar Sunway)
Year2025
Publication date2025-09-18
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1467-6370 • E-ISSN: 1758-6739
PublisherEmerald (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1108/ijshe-09-2024-0637
OpenAlexW4414292383
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited22

Purpose This research aims to explore eco-anxiety among Asian youth by developing a conceptual framework to understand its socio-cultural, economic and environmental factors, contributing to resilience and sustainable development while informing global discussions on climate change and mental health. Design/methodology/approach This study used grouped concept mapping, involving brainstorming and thematic sorting of statements by participants, followed by multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis to identify and label clusters of related statements, with statistical validation performed through Confirmatory Composite Analysis using SmartPLS. Findings The findings indicate four distinct clusters related to eco-anxiety: personal emotions (fear, worry and anger), causes of eco-anxiety (pollution, deforestation and climate disasters), future decisions (changes in family planning and lifestyle) and strategies for combating eco-anxiety (education, corporate responsibility and community action), reflecting a range of emotional and cognitive responses and proposed solutions. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to a single Malaysian university, restricting generalisability. Cross-sectional data may not capture the evolving nature of eco-anxiety, suggesting the need for longitudinal and comparative studies. Despite these constraints, the framework provides valuable insights for future research and offers practical guidance for integrating ecological education, youth participation, and targeted mental health support into policy and practice. Practical implications The study’s findings highlight the need for targeted mental health support, proactive youth involvement in environmental activism, integration of ecological education into curricula and inclusion of youth perspectives in policymaking and corporate decision-making to effectively address eco-anxiety and promote sustainability. Originality/value This study uniquely contributes by providing a comprehensive, culturally nuanced conceptual framework for understanding and addressing eco-anxiety among young people in Malaysia, which is a good representative of Asian ethnicity comprising Indian, Chinese and Malay, incorporating local socio-cultural and environmental factors that are often overlooked in global research

Education for sustainable development · Global mental health · Mental health · Psychological resilience · Sustainability · Sustainable development · Thematic analysis · Worry · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Climate Change Communication and Perception · Environmental Education and Sustainability