Dr. Svetlina Koleva, Assoc. Prof.,
Prof. Snezhana Ilieva, DSc.,
Dr. Kaloyan Haralampiev, Assoc. Prof.,
Prof. Sonya Karabeliova, DSc.
Sofia University
https://doi.org/10.53656/phil2024-04S-07
Abstract. The present study highlights the growing need to understand eco-anxiety as a significant contemporary phenomenon associated with climate change and its impact on mental health. It aims to measure eco-anxiety levels among the Bulgarian population and to assess the applicability of the scale within the Bulgarian sociocultural using an adapted version of the “Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale” (HEAS-13). The results of the study confirm the original four-factor structure of the instrument and demonstrate that the scale possesses strong psychometric properties, making it a reliable tool for assessing eco-anxiety in Bulgaria. The study also reveals higher levels of eco-anxiety among women compared to men, suggesting a gender disparity in environmental concerns, consistent with previous studies showing that
women often exhibit stronger reactions to climate change. The findings enrich the understanding of eco-anxiety as a multidimensional construct and provide an
empirical basis for a deeper comprehension of environmental concerns within the
Bulgarian population. The application of this scale in Bulgaria has the potential to
support the development of more effective policies and programs to address the
negative psychological effects of climate change, drawing attention to the need for
gender-sensitive approaches and psychological support.
Keywords: eco-anxiety; HEAS-13; climate change anxiety; affective and behavioral symptoms
