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Eco-Anxiety in Brazilian and Portuguese University Students: Perceptions, Emotions and Coping Strategies

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Title: Eco-Anxiety in Brazilian and Portuguese University Students: Perceptions, Emotions and Coping Strategies
Language: English
Authors: Rogério Rodrigues da Silva
Source: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education. 2026 27(5):1161-1176.
Availability: Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Foreign Countries, College Students, Anxiety, Student Attitudes, Psychological Patterns, Coping, Environment, Climate
Geographic Terms: Brazil, Portugal
DOI: 10.1108/IJSHE-09-2024-0602
ISSN: 1467-6370
1758-6739
Abstract: Purpose: This study aims to comparatively analyse the intensity of eco-anxiety among Brazilian and Portuguese university students, elucidating their perceptions, emotions and the primary coping strategies used. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative approach was used, based on semi-structured interviews with 19 Brazilian and Portuguese university students. Data analysis used Bardin's (1977) content analysis framework, based on the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (Hogg et al., 2021). Findings: Despite cultural differences, the participants exhibit similar levels of emotional distress in response to the climate crisis, manifesting feelings of concern, frustration, helplessness, fear and anguish. These emotions, in turn, have tangible impacts on the students' daily lives, affecting sleep, concentration, interpersonal relationships and overall mental health. Brazilian students, while recognising the urgency of the climate crisis, appear more inclined to experience guilt and individual helplessness in more systemic terms. Conversely, Portuguese students emphasise the need for more concrete actions at both individual and collective levels, expressing frustration with the perceived political and social inaction from a more historical perspective. Originality/value: Eco-anxiety emerges as a significant cross-cultural phenomenon among young university students, manifesting in a complex and multifaceted manner. The research underscores the importance of considering cultural diversity in the development of interventions and public policies that address mental health in the context of the climate crisis.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1506777
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Eco-Anxiety in Brazilian and Portuguese University Students: Perceptions, Emotions and Coping Strategies
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Rogério+Rodrigues+da+Silva%22">Rogério Rodrigues da Silva</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22International+Journal+of+Sustainability+in+Higher+Education%22"><i>International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education</i></searchLink>. 2026 27(5):1161-1176.
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  Data: Emerald Publishing Limited. Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley, West Yorkshire, BD16 1WA, UK. Tel: +44-1274-777700; Fax: +44-1274-785201; e-mail: emerald@emeraldinsight.com; Web site: http://www.emerald.com/insight
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  Data: Journal Articles<br />Reports - Research
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Higher+Education%22">Higher Education</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="EL" term="%22Postsecondary+Education%22">Postsecondary Education</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Foreign+Countries%22">Foreign Countries</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22College+Students%22">College Students</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Anxiety%22">Anxiety</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Student+Attitudes%22">Student Attitudes</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Psychological+Patterns%22">Psychological Patterns</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Coping%22">Coping</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Environment%22">Environment</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Climate%22">Climate</searchLink>
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  Label: Geographic Terms
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Brazil%22">Brazil</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Portugal%22">Portugal</searchLink>
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  Data: 10.1108/IJSHE-09-2024-0602
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  Data: 1467-6370<br />1758-6739
– Name: Abstract
  Label: Abstract
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  Data: Purpose: This study aims to comparatively analyse the intensity of eco-anxiety among Brazilian and Portuguese university students, elucidating their perceptions, emotions and the primary coping strategies used. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative approach was used, based on semi-structured interviews with 19 Brazilian and Portuguese university students. Data analysis used Bardin's (1977) content analysis framework, based on the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (Hogg et al., 2021). Findings: Despite cultural differences, the participants exhibit similar levels of emotional distress in response to the climate crisis, manifesting feelings of concern, frustration, helplessness, fear and anguish. These emotions, in turn, have tangible impacts on the students' daily lives, affecting sleep, concentration, interpersonal relationships and overall mental health. Brazilian students, while recognising the urgency of the climate crisis, appear more inclined to experience guilt and individual helplessness in more systemic terms. Conversely, Portuguese students emphasise the need for more concrete actions at both individual and collective levels, expressing frustration with the perceived political and social inaction from a more historical perspective. Originality/value: Eco-anxiety emerges as a significant cross-cultural phenomenon among young university students, manifesting in a complex and multifaceted manner. The research underscores the importance of considering cultural diversity in the development of interventions and public policies that address mental health in the context of the climate crisis.
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        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: College Students
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      – SubjectFull: Anxiety
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      – SubjectFull: Student Attitudes
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      – SubjectFull: Psychological Patterns
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      – SubjectFull: Brazil
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      – SubjectFull: Portugal
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