Aim In recent years, interest in climate change has expanded beyond its physical health consequences to include mental health impacts. In particular, the phenomenon of eco-anxiety has emerged, encompassing emotional and psychological responses related to the perception of future environmental threats. Despite growing attention, the construct of eco-anxiety requires further validation and methodological refinement, especially across different cultural contexts. This study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS), focusing on its factorial structure and convergent validity, as well as the relationship between eco-anxiety, emotion regulation, and psychopathological symptoms. Subject and methods The Italian version of the CCAS, translated and adapted from Innocenti et al. (<CitationRef CitationID="CR33">2021a</CitationRef>, <CitationRef CitationID="CR34">b</CitationRef>), was administered to a sample of 1444 Italian adults (M = 31.40 years; standard deviation [SD] = 14.52; 34.6% male). Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with Jamovi 2.3.28 to evaluate the two-factor structure of the questionnaire. Additionally, correlations with the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale Short Form (DERS-SF) and the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were computed to assess convergent validity. Results Confirmatory factor analysis supported a bifactorial structure with good overall fit (Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 0.92; Tucker–Lewis Index [TLI] = 0.91; standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.041). Both subscales, Cognitive-Emotional Impairment and Functional Impairment, demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = .89). Significant correlations between the CCAS, DERS-SF, and DASS-21 indicate strong convergent validity and suggest a relationship between eco-anxiety, difficulties in emotion regulation, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. Conclusion The study confirms the validity and reliability of the Italian version of the CCAS, supporting its use for research and clinical practice in Italy. The results highlight the importance of considering eco-anxiety as a relevant psychological dimension, linked to emotion regulation strategies and mental well-being. Further longitudinal studies and targeted interventions are needed to deepen understanding and address the psychological impact of climate change.

A contribution to the validation of the Climate Change Anxiety Scale: evidence from the Italian context

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2026年6月24日

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Raffaella Abate,
Giulia Punzo,
Patrizia Velotti

摘要

Aim

In recent years, interest in climate change has expanded beyond its physical health consequences to include mental health impacts. In particular, the phenomenon of eco-anxiety has emerged, encompassing emotional and psychological responses related to the perception of future environmental threats. Despite growing attention, the construct of eco-anxiety requires further validation and methodological refinement, especially across different cultural contexts. This study aims to examine the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Climate Change Anxiety Scale (CCAS), focusing on its factorial structure and convergent validity, as well as the relationship between eco-anxiety, emotion regulation, and psychopathological symptoms.

Subject and methods

The Italian version of the CCAS, translated and adapted from Innocenti et al. (2021a, b), was administered to a sample of 1444 Italian adults (M = 31.40 years; standard deviation [SD] = 14.52; 34.6% male). Data were analyzed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with Jamovi 2.3.28 to evaluate the two-factor structure of the questionnaire. Additionally, correlations with the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale Short Form (DERS-SF) and the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were computed to assess convergent validity.

Results

Confirmatory factor analysis supported a bifactorial structure with good overall fit (Comparative Fit Index [CFI] = 0.92; Tucker–Lewis Index [TLI] = 0.91; standardized root mean square residual [SRMR] = 0.041). Both subscales, Cognitive-Emotional Impairment and Functional Impairment, demonstrated excellent internal consistency (α = .89). Significant correlations between the CCAS, DERS-SF, and DASS-21 indicate strong convergent validity and suggest a relationship between eco-anxiety, difficulties in emotion regulation, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress.

Conclusion

The study confirms the validity and reliability of the Italian version of the CCAS, supporting its use for research and clinical practice in Italy. The results highlight the importance of considering eco-anxiety as a relevant psychological dimension, linked to emotion regulation strategies and mental well-being. Further longitudinal studies and targeted interventions are needed to deepen understanding and address the psychological impact of climate change.