The Surprising Link Between Eco-Anxiety and the Mediterranean Diet in Turkish Young Adults
Picture a university student in Türkiye, scrolling through climate news on their phone. Their chest tightens with each headline—ice caps melting, extreme weather events, species vanishing. This visceral response now has a name: eco-anxiety. Meanwhile, in kitchens across the Mediterranean region, a timeless dietary pattern continues to nourish generations. What connects these seemingly unrelated phenomena? New research reveals a surprising link between our psychological response to environmental crises and the foods we choose to eat.
Groundbreaking research conducted in 2025 examining Turkish young adults has uncovered an unexpected silver lining to climate distress: it may be steering an entire generation toward more sustainable eating patterns.
The Mediterranean diet, long celebrated for its health benefits, is now emerging as a nutritional embodiment of environmental values—a delicious solace for both planetary and personal well-being 2 4 .
Eco-anxiety is no longer just a buzzword; psychologists define it as a chronic psychological state expressing concerns about climate change and ecological threats. It manifests as feelings of discomfort, worry, stress, and even grief in response to environmental degradation 2 .
Unlike clinical anxiety disorders, eco-anxiety is considered a rational response to very real threats, though it can similarly lead to emotional distress, rumination, and in some cases, helplessness 4 .
Young adults report higher levels of climate concern than any other age group, as they face the most significant long-term consequences of environmental issues 2 .
The most intriguing development in eco-anxiety research is the shifting perspective on its function. Rather than viewing it as purely pathological, researchers are beginning to recognize that moderate eco-anxiety can be adaptive—serving as a motivator for pro-environmental behavior and sustainable lifestyle changes 2 4 .
The Mediterranean diet represents far more than a collection of foods; it embodies a cultural heritage and lifestyle that has sustained populations for millennia. Based on traditional eating patterns in countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain, this dietary approach emphasizes abundant plant foods—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts—with olive oil as the primary fat source, moderate consumption of fish and poultry, and limited intake of red meat, processed foods, and sweets 1 3 .
Rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts
Olive oil as primary fat source, moderate wine consumption
Moderate fish and poultry, limited red meat
While the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet are well-documented—including reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cognitive decline, and certain cancers 7 —its environmental advantages are equally impressive. The diet aligns closely with principles of sustainable food systems:
This powerful combination of personal and planetary benefits sets the stage for understanding why this particular dietary pattern might resonate with those concerned about environmental issues.
In 2025, a landmark study investigating the relationship between eco-anxiety and adherence to the Mediterranean diet was conducted with Turkish young adults. The research tackled a previously unexplored question: Could our psychological response to climate change actually drive us toward more sustainable eating patterns? 2 4
The study employed a rigorous cross-sectional design involving 736 young adults with a mean age of 20.9 years from a public university in Türkiye. The participant pool included 70.5% females and 29.5% males, allowing researchers to examine potential gender differences in responses 2 4 .
A 13-item instrument measuring psychological responses to environmental issues on a scale from 0-39, with higher scores indicating greater eco-anxiety 8 .
A 14-item tool assessing compliance with Mediterranean dietary patterns, with scores ≥9 indicating high adherence 2 .
Collecting data on factors like income, field of study, and lifestyle behaviors 2 .
The study revealed several compelling relationships that illuminate the connection between planetary concerns and dietary choices:
| Characteristic | Overall Sample | High MD Adherence | Low MD Adherence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Participants | 736 | 29.5% | 70.5% |
| Mean Age | 20.9 ± 1.8 years | 21.2 ± 1.9 years | 20.7 ± 1.7 years |
| Gender (Female) | 70.5% | 75.8% | 68.2% |
| Health Field Students | 38.2% | 45.6% | 34.7% |
| Factor | Effect on Eco-Anxiety Score | Statistical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean Diet Adherence | β = 0.322 | P = 0.001 |
| Field of Study (Health-related) | β = 4.541 | P < 0.001 |
| Monthly Income | β = -0.622 | P = 0.027 |
| Gender (Female) | Significantly higher | P < 0.05 |
The findings demonstrated a statistically significant positive relationship between eco-anxiety scores and Mediterranean diet adherence. Specifically, for each point increase in MEDAS score, eco-anxiety increased by 0.322 points, suggesting that those more concerned about environmental issues tended to follow Mediterranean dietary patterns more closely 2 4 .
| Research Tool | Function | Application in the Study |
|---|---|---|
| Eco-Anxiety Scale | Measures psychological responses to environmental threats | Quantified participants' climate concern levels using 13-item questionnaire |
| MEDAS (Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale) | Assesses compliance with Mediterranean dietary patterns | Evaluated eating habits through 14 food-related questions |
| Face-to-Face Interviews | Standardized data collection method | Ensured consistent administration of research instruments |
| Statistical Analysis (SPSS) | Processes and analyzes collected data | Identified correlations and relationships between variables |
The 2025 Turkish study presents a compelling narrative: what if our climate-related anxiety isn't just a burden to bear, but potentially a catalyst for positive change, both for our bodies and the planet? The connection between eco-anxiety and Mediterranean diet adherence suggests that moderate levels of climate concern may actually steer us toward more sustainable food choices 2 4 .
The Mediterranean diet offers a tangible way to nourish both people and the planet
Embodies a sustainable relationship with food that has nurtured civilizations
Daily food choices become acts of environmental care
This research transforms our understanding of eco-anxiety from a purely pathological condition to a potential force for good. Rather than dismissing climate concerns as irrational fears, we might better serve young adults by acknowledging these feelings as valid responses to real threats and channeling them toward constructive actions 2 .
For those experiencing eco-anxiety, this research offers a hopeful pathway: what we choose to put on our plates can become a daily practice of planetary stewardship, a small but meaningful step toward healing both our bodies and the world they inhabit. The message is clear—neither our anxiety nor our diet exists in a vacuum, and addressing both together may be the key to a healthier future for people and the planet alike.
The next time you feel that pang of climate worry, remember: it might just be guiding you toward choices that are better for your body and the Earth. Perhaps the ancient wisdom of Mediterranean ancestors, combined with our modern understanding of psychology, can help us navigate toward a more sustainable future—one meal at a time.