Climate anxiety and psychological capital: Gen X v/s Millennials v/s Gen Z

Background Climate anxiety has emerged as a significant psychological response to the growing threat of climate change. While it affects individuals across all age groups, each generation experiences and responds to it differently due to varying life stages, access to environmental information, and socio-cultural contexts. Given the dominance of Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z in today’s global population, understanding generational differences in climate anxiety is essential. Aim The study aimed to examine the generational differences in climate anxiety across Generation X (44–59 years), Millennials (28–43 years), and Generation Z (12–27 years). It also investigated whether psychological capital (PsyCap), comprising hope, resilience, optimism, and self-efficacy, predicts levels of climate anxiety. Methods This observational study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional survey design. A total sample of 384 respondents was selected, representing the three generational cohorts. A structured questionnaire using standard scales was used to collect data, and statistical analyses, including One-Way ANOVA and linear regression, were conducted to assess generational differences and predictive relationships. Results The results revealed significant differences in climate anxiety across the generations, with Generation Z reporting the highest levels of climate-related anxiety, followed by Millennials and Generation X. Additionally, psychological capital acted as a predictor of climate anxiety. Generational background and the self-efficacy dimension of psychological capital emerged as significant determinants of functional impairment in the context of climate anxiety. Conclusion By assessing climate anxiety in each generation, policymakers, educators, and mental health professionals can design targeted interventions to address this growing concern. Strengthening psychological capital could serve as a key intervention strategy to buffer individuals across age groups against climate anxiety.