Psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the Eco guilt (EGuiQ-11) and Eco grief (EGriQ-6) scales

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: The aim of the study is to validate the Eco guilt (EGuiQ-11) and Eco grief (EGriQ-6) scales for the Lebanese population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted through a snowball sampling technique in September 2023. 763 adult participants consented to and submitted an online questionnaire that included the following scales: the EGuiQ-11, the EGriQ-6, the Arabic Climate Anxiety Scale and Depression Anxiety Stress Scales-8. Results: The Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) of the EGuiQ-11 showed an adequate fit to a unidimensional. Both the EFA and the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) found that the reliability was excellent as shown via a Cronbach alpha of .92 and a McDonald omega of .92. As for the EGriQ-6 , results of the EFA and CFA indicated an adequate fit to a unidimensional structure, and an excellent reliability, with both an alpha coefficient and an omega coefficient of .83-.84 . No statistically significant difference between males and females was found in terms of EGuiQ-11 (t(761) = .862, p = .389) and EGriQ-6 (t(761) = .401, p = .689) scores. Furthermore, higher Eco guilt and Eco grief levels were both significantly associated with higher psychological distress and higher climate anxiety. Conclusion: These results enable researchers to use scales assessing emotions related to the environment for future studies in Lebanon. It also clarifies the association between the possible effects of environmental change on mental health.