1431 - ENVIRONMENTAL IDENTITY, PRO-ENVIRONMENTAL BEHAVIOR, AND CLIMATE CHANGE ANXIETY AMONG GEN Z FILIPINOS

Session: D04S005 - Climate & Health 2
AUTHORS:
Reyes Marc Eric (Department of Psychology, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas ~ Manila ~ Philippines) , Mapoy Alvin Joseph (Department of Psychology, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas ~ Manila ~ Philippines) , Aranzanso Victoria Ann Louis (Department of Psychology, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas ~ Manila ~ Philippines) , Avera Francheska Ysabel (Department of Psychology, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas ~ Manila ~ Philippines) , Martinez Beatrice (Department of Psychology, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas ~ Manila ~ Philippines) , Ramos Mariah Michaela (Department of Psychology, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas ~ Manila ~ Philippines) , Cayubit Ryan Francis (Department of Psychology, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas ~ Manila ~ Philippines)
Abstract text:
Environmental identity refers to an individual's understanding of how their environment shapes their identity and relationships. This connection may give rise to climate change anxiety and motivate pro-environmental behavior. We examined whether environmental identity (EI) predicts climate change anxiety (CCA) and whether pro-environmental behavior (PEB) moderates their relationship using an explanatory, cross-sectional design. Seven hundred sixty-one Filipinos aged 18 to 25 completed the Revised Environmental Identity Scale, Climate Change Anxiety Scale, and Pro-Environmental Behavior Scale. Our findings revealed a significant positive relationship between environmental identity and climate change anxiety. However, moderation analysis indicated that environmental identity is only associated with climate change anxiety among participants with high pro-environmental behavior. Thus, Gen Z Filipinos who connect more with nature (high EI) experience greater anxiety (high CCA) only for those who actively engage in pro-environmental behavior (high PEB). This paper discusses the practical and theoretical implications of the findings.