Investigation of the Relationship Between Eco Anxiety and Psychological Well-Being and Emotion Regulation Skills in Health Professionals: Descriptive Study

Objective: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between eco anxiety and psychological well-being and emotion regulation skills in health professionals. Material and Methods: The data of the study, which was conducted in a descriptive-relational research design, were collected with an electronic questionnaire (Google Forms) in July-August 2023. The data were collected using a demographic data form created by reviewing the literature (open- and closed-ended questions) and questions related to climate and environment, Eco-Anxiety Scale (EAS), Psychological Well-Being (PWB) and Emotion Regulation Skills Scale (ERRS). Results: It was determined that 87.7% of the participants were female, 49.8% lived in metropolitan areas, 57.6% were nurses, and 94.4% did not receive climate change or environmental education. It was found that as the averages of “fear of other pandemics such as the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic” and “fear of natural disasters such as earthquakes” increased, eco anxiety increased, and as the averages of “sensitivity to environmental issues” and “warning the environment about environmental pollution” increased, psychological well-being and emotion regulation skills increased. It was determined that the EAS-total scores of those living in the provincial centre and district were significantly higher than those living in the metropolitan area. When the relationship between EAS and PWB and ERRS was analysed, as the total scores of PWB and ERRS increased, the total scores of EAS decreased (p<0.05). Conclusion: In our study, we can say that eco anxiety has an effect on psychological wellbeing and emotion regulation. It is recommended to provide climate change trainings to health professionals and to take part in social responsibility projects to raise awareness and sensitivity on environmental issues.