Exploring the links: Environmental identity, nature connectedness, eco-anxiety and psychological well-being after the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes

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BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the correlation between environmental identity, connectedness to nature, psychological well-being, and eco-anxiety among 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake survivors. METHODS: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted using a purposive sampling method with 235 earthquake survivors (75.7% female and aged 18–65 years) residing in three different container settlements in Hatay, Turkey. Data were collected using the Environmental Identity Scale, Nature Connectedness Scale, Eco-Anxiety Scale, and Psychological Well-Being Scale and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The total environmental identity score of earthquake survivors was 76.31 ± 10.83, nature connectedness was 60.56 ± 8.57, eco-anxiety was 19.00 ± 8.25, and psychological well-being was 40.79 ± 8.30. A significant positive correlation was found between environmental identity, connectedness to nature, and eco-anxiety (p < 0.001). However, no significant correlation was observed between eco-anxiety and psychological well-being (p > 0.05). All predictor variables together explained 11.1% of the variance in psychological well-being (Adjusted R2 = 0.111), indicating a modest effect. Environmental identity emerged as the strongest predictor of psychological well-being (β = 0.255, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings may guide the development of educational programs assisting earthquake survivors in coping with eco-anxiety, strengthening their connection to nature, and enhancing their psychological well-being.