Age Differences in Young Adults’ Emotional Distress from Extreme Weather

Background

Climate change is increasingly linked to emotional distress, yet prior studies have examined extreme weather exposure and perceived climate change harm to health separately, limiting understanding of how experiences translate into emotional responses. This study examines how perceived climate change harm to health and health self-efficacy shape emotional distress following extreme weather exposure, focusing on age differences within young adults.

Methods

Data from the Health Information National Trends Survey 7 (HINTS 7) were used (N = 1,304; aged 19–39). Extreme weather exposure was measured over 12 months. Perceived climate change harm to health and health self-efficacy were assessed. Emotional distress was modeled as a latent construct (hopelessness, nervousness, worry). Gender, race/ethnicity, and income were controlled. SEM and multi-group SEM tested mediation and age differences.

Results

Model fit was acceptable (χ² = 130.603, df = 38, p < .001, CFI = .965, TLI = .934, RMSEA = .043), with invariance across age groups. In the 20s group, exposure increased perceived harm (β = .311, p < .001), which reduced self-efficacy (β = −.092, p < .05); self-efficacy lowered distress (β = −.279, p < .001). Exposure also directly affected distress (β = .139, p < .05), but perceived harm was not significant. In the 30s group, exposure increased perceived harm (β = .384, p < .001) and reduced self-efficacy (β = −.123, p < .01); both exposure (β = .107, p < .01) and perceived harm (β = .078, p < .05) increased distress. Serial mediation was observed only in the 20s group.

Conclusions

Pathways linking extreme weather to emotional distress differ within young adults. In the 20s, distress operates through cognitive appraisal and reduced coping capacity, whereas in the 30s, climate experiences exert more direct emotional effects. These findings highlight the need for age-responsive approaches integrating risk perception and coping capacity.

Key messages

• Pathways linking extreme weather exposure to emotional distress differ by age within young adults, with indirect mechanisms dominating in the 20s and more direct effects observed in the 30s.

• Findings highlight the need for age-responsive climate and mental health strategies that address both risk perception and coping capacity rather than treating young adults as a homogeneous group.