A deeper connection with nature can be a potential coping mechanism for eco-anxiety

Eco-anxiety is a relatively new phenomenon that has gained attention due to the ecological crisis. It involves various challenges, such as environmental pollution, the disappearance of ecosystems, the advancement of climate change, as well as the loss of biodiversity.

Eco-anxiety can manifest in various psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depressive symptoms, sadness, or a sense of loss. These feelings are natural reactions to the continuous increase in environmental concerns.

Eco-anxiety can significantly impact the behaviour of individuals, as well as their psychological and ecological wellbeing.

Interaction between eco-anxiety, nature connection and wellbeing

Since 2017, eco-anxiety has received increasing attention in public discourse, with younger generations being more sensitive to experiencing it.

Finland’s long tradition of environmental education has increased environmental awareness, but it has also heightened concern and anxiety about environmental issues.

In our study we examined the interplay between eco-anxiety, nature connection, and wellbeing in a sample of one thousand Finnish adults aged 18 to 65. The main observations can be summarised as follows:

• Eco-anxiety can negatively impact an individual’s wellbeing, often manifesting as increased feelings of distress.
• People who feel a deeper connection with nature often experience more eco-anxiety.
• A deeper connection with nature promotes an individual’s overall wellbeing.
• It can also alleviate the harmful effects of eco-anxiety and serve as a coping mechanism for managing it.

Eco-anxiety’s two sides – from helplessness to action

Even though a deeper connection with nature often intensifies experiences of eco-anxiety, it can help alleviate its harmful effects and promote individual wellbeing and resilience.

Eco-anxiety is not just about negative emotions or helplessness: it can also awaken a strong desire for change and a sense of responsibility.

The concept of practical eco-anxiety, which has been identified in recent studies, refers to how anxiety can encourage people to adopt environmentally positive attitudes and behaviour.

People experiencing eco-anxiety often feel a moral responsibility and a desire to act on behalf of nature, which can lead to active participation in responding to environmental challenges and to a deeper connection with nature.

Nature connection is a crucial factor in responding to the ecological crisis, including both an intellectual understanding of nature and an emotional, experiential, and active connection with the surrounding environment. Nature offers us the opportunity to slow down, breathe, and feel a sense of belonging.

When we feel we are a part of nature as a whole, it can bring  meaning and purpose to our lives, which can protect us from the negative effects of eco-anxiety.

The dynamic interaction between eco-anxiety and nature connection can, at its best, serve as a transformative force that awakens a sense of hope and encourages active environmental engagement.

This interaction can be the key to a good life and a sustainable future where both people and nature can thrive.

The author Miia Grénman works as a university teacher at the Jyväskylä University School of Business and Economics (JSBE) in the BIODIFUL research project (Biodiversity Respectful Leadership). It is funded by the Strategic Research Council.