Exploring Public Perception of Eco-Stress in Pakistan: A Qualitative Analysis through Focus Group Discussions

Abstract

Environmental degradation and climate-related challenges have led to increasing psychological and emotional responses among populations worldwide, a phenomenon commonly referred to as eco-stress. This study explores the public perception of eco-stress in Pakistan, where climate change impacts—such as rising temperatures, flooding, and resource scarcity—have become increasingly severe. Using a qualitative approach, this research employed focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted across diverse socio-economic and geographic settings to capture a broad spectrum of public sentiment. The findings reveal that while awareness of environmental issues is growing, there exists a wide disparity in understanding the psychological impacts of ecological decline. Participants expressed feelings of anxiety, helplessness, and frustration, particularly among youth and rural communities directly affected by environmental stressors. Moreover, the study found a strong linkage between eco-stress and perceived governmental inaction or lack of community-level resilience strategies. The research contributes to the emerging field of environmental psychology in the Global South and underscores the need for integrative policy measures that address not only the physical but also the emotional dimensions of climate change in Pakistan.