As the threat of climate change looms large, and we experience first-hand the impacts of rapid global warming, researchers and clinicians emphasize the need to better understand the impact of these changes on our mental health. Existing research suggests that coping with and emotional reactions to climate change can promote action to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce its negative impacts to one’s mental health. In this pre-registered study (N = 771) we examined whether people who display extreme intergenerational concern would also constructively cope with climate change. Empirically-identified individuals showing high intergenerational concern reported more problem-focused and meaning-based coping, and less avoidant coping strategies with climate change. Further, even though they felt guilty, angry, sorrowful and isolated, these individuals also felt hopeful about the future. These effects were explained by increased concerns about one’s legacy and higher access to environmental cognitive alternatives. By instilling values that highlight intergenerational concern as a key priority, we could thus not only increase pro-climate action, but also help individuals actively and constructively cope with changes produced by climate change.

中文翻译：

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代际关注与通过增加遗留问题和环境认知替代方案对气候变化的建设性应对和情绪反应有关

随着气候变化的威胁日益凸显，并且我们亲身经历了全球快速变暖的影响，研究人员和临床医生强调需要更好地了解这些变化对我们心理健康的影响。现有研究表明，应对气候变化和对气候变化的情绪反应可以促进采取行动适应和减轻气候变化的影响，并减少其对心理健康的负面影响。在这项预先注册的研究（N = 771）中，我们研究了表现出极端代际关注的人是否也会建设性地应对气候变化。根据经验，表现出高度代际关注的个体报告了更多以问题为中心和基于意义的应对方式，以及更少回避的应对气候变化的策略。此外，尽管他们感到内疚、愤怒、悲伤和孤立，但这些人也对未来充满希望。这些影响的原因是人们对自己遗产的担忧增加以及获得环境认知替代方案的机会增加。通过灌输强调代际关注作为关键优先事项的价值观，我们不仅可以增加支持气候的行动，还可以帮助个人积极、建设性地应对气候变化带来的变化。