Psychometric assessment of climate-related emotional responses: a systematic review of measures for eco-anxiety and related constructs

This systematic review critically examines the psychometric tools used to assess climate-related emotional responses, including eco-anxiety, climate grief, and solastalgia. The review identifies substantial variability in measurement approaches, item generation methods, and validation processes across 31 studies. Key findings highlight the complex interplay between these emotional responses and general psychological distress, such as anxiety and depression. The heterogeneity in scale development, particularly concerning the dimensionality and underlying constructs, underscores the ongoing challenges in conceptualizing and accurately measuring these emotions. This review emphasizes the need for more rigorous methodological standards and theoretical clarity to advance the understanding and assessment of climate-related emotional responses, thereby informing future research and policy interventions.