Psychometric Properties of the Persian version of the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-P)

Abstract Eco-anxiety has emerged as an important construct in environmental mental health research, yet validated instruments for non-Western populations remain limited. Here, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the Persian version of the Hogg Eco-Anxiety Scale (HEAS-P) in a large Iranian sample (N = 601). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the original four-factor structure, yielding excellent model fit (CFI = 0.96, TLI = 0.95, RMSEA = 0.041, SRMR = 0.034). The scale demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.94) and good test–retest reliability (r = 0.84, p < 0.001). Multi-group analyses established measurement invariance across gender, indicating comparable assessment of eco-anxiety in men and women. Convergent validity was evidenced by moderate to strong associations with general anxiety, depression, and environmental worry, whereas weak associations with happiness supported discriminant validity. Hierarchical regression analyses further demonstrated incremental validity, with eco-anxiety accounting for unique variance in environmental worry beyond general psychological distress. Collectively, these findings indicate that the HEAS-P is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing eco-anxiety in Persian-speaking populations, supporting its use in both research and clinical contexts.