What We Measure

Emotional Well-being and the PANAS Scale

Emotional well-being is a key factor in overall quality of life, influencing behavior, relationships, and daily productivity.

The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) is a scientifically validated tool used to measure emotional states, providing valuable insight into a person’s mood.Through a simple questionnaire, the PANAS scale evaluates two key dimensions:

Positive Affect (PA) – Measures enthusiasm, alertness, and active engagement in life. High PA is linked to energy, pleasure, and social interaction, while low PA is associated with sadness and lethargy.

Negative Affect (NA) – Assesses distress, nervousness, and general unpleasant emotions. High NA is linked to anxiety and irritability, whereas low NA indicates calmness and emotional stability.

Nature Connectedness

Nature connectedness refers to the deep emotional and psychological bond people feel with the natural world.

It’s about more than just spending time outdoors—it’s about feeling a sense of belonging and appreciation for nature. Research shows that higher levels of nature connectedness can improve well-being, reduce stress, and encourage pro-environmental behaviors.

Empathy & Intergenerational Dialogue

When applied to intergenerational interactions, empathy can:
-Bridge generational gaps by fostering mutual understanding.
-Enhance communication through active listening and perspective-taking.
-Promote emotional connection by recognizing shared human experiences.
-Encourage social cohesion by valuing diverse life experiences.

By cultivating empathy, we can create more inclusive spaces where wisdom, experiences, and ideas flow freely between generations

Climate Emotions

Navigating Eco-Anxiety, Hope & Motivation

As the climate crisis intensifies, people experience a range of emotions, from eco-anxiety (fear and distress about environmental destruction) to hope and motivation for action. Understanding and managing these emotions is crucial for mental well-being and sustained climate engagement.

Pro-Environmental Attitudes & Behavior

From Awareness to Action

Pro-environmental attitudes refer to beliefs and values that support sustainability, while pro-environmental behavior involves actions that reduce environmental impact. Shifting from awareness to action is key to tackling environmental challenges.

Key Factors Influencing Pro-Environmental Behavior:

Awareness & Knowledge – Understanding environmental issues motivates action.
Emotional Connection to Nature – Stronger bonds with nature foster responsibility.
Social Norms & Influence – Seeing others act sustainably encourages participation.
Personal & Collective Efficacy – Belief that individual and group efforts make a difference.

Emotional Support Networks: Strength in Connection

Emotional support networks are essential for mental well-being, providing comfort, validation, and resilience during difficult times. These networks can include friends, family, community groups, and even online spaces where people find understanding and encouragement.

Sense of Purpose & Agency: Driving Meaningful Action

A sense of purpose gives life meaning, guiding our actions and values, while agency is the belief that we can shape our lives and the world around us. Together, they empower individuals to create positive change, especially in areas like environmental action, social justice, and personal well-being.

Why Purpose & Agency Matter

Enhances motivation – A strong purpose fuels perseverance.
Boosts well-being – Feeling impactful fosters fulfillment.
Encourages action – Agency transforms thoughts into real-world change.
Builds resilience – Purpose helps navigate setbacks.