Measuring young individuals’ responses to climate change: validation of the Slovenian versions of the climate anxiety scale and the climate change worry scale

• DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1297782
• Publication Date: 2023-12-01T18:26:35Z
• Authors: Nejc Plohl; Izidor Mlakar; Bojan Musil; Urška Smrke
• Keywords: Worry; Discriminant validity; Concurrent validity; Nomological network; Convergent validity

While increasing awareness of climate change is needed to address this threat the natural environment and humanity, it may simultaneously negatively impact mental health. Previous studies suggest that climate-specific health phenomena, such as anxiety worry, tend be especially pronounced in youth. To properly understand these issues, we need valid measures can also used non-Anglophone samples. Therefore, present paper, aimed validate Slovenian versions Climate Anxiety Scale (CAS) Change Worry (CCWS) among youth.We conducted an online survey which 442 young individuals (18-24 years) from Slovenia filled out two central questionnaires additional instruments capturing other relevant constructs (e.g., general anxiety, neuroticism, behavioral engagement).The confirmatory factor analyses results supported hypothesized factorial structure CAS (two factors) CCWS (one factor). Both scales demonstrated great internal reliability. Moreover, exploring both constructs' nomological networks showed moderate positive associations with similar measures, stress (convergent validity), very weak they should not particularly related to, narcissism (discriminant validity). Lastly, found and, even more so, have unique predictive value explaining outcomes perceived threat, support for policies, engagement (incremental validity).Overall, seem valid, reliable, appropriate future tackling individuals' responses change. Limitations study areas research are discussed.