Climate Change Anxiety, Self-Efficacy, and Optimism as Determinants of Pro-Environmental Behaviour among Young Adults in Kerala

Abstract

Kerala had experienced a series of extreme weather events and natural disastersin recent years, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate-related challenges. Climate change today extends beyond an environmental issue impacting social, psychological, and economic aspects of life especially for vulnerable communities. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of climate change anxiety, self-efficacy and optimism on pro-environmental behaviour among young adults of Kerala. The study was conducted on young adults (N=106), including both men and women aged from 18 to27. The scales included in the questionnaires are Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), and Life Orientation Test-Revised (LOT-R). This was a correlational study that employed descriptive statistics and used a purposive sampling method. From the results obtained through data analysis, it can be concluded that pro-environmental behaviour is connected with climate change anxiety, self-efficacy and optimism. These behaviours can build resilient communities, support mental health, reduce climate-related anxiety, and contribute to a sustainable future.