The Solastalgia Scale: Turkish Validity and Reliability Study

This study aimed to adapt the Solastalgia subscale of the Environmental Distress Scale (EDS) into Turkish and evaluate its validity and reliability among Turkish-speaking adults. A cross-sectional psychometric validation design was employed. The adaptation process followed standard translation procedures, expert review, and pilot testing. Data were collected from 439 adults. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted in two randomly split independent subsamples to cross-validate the factor structure. The Turkish Solastalgia Scale demonstrated a robust unidimensional structure explaining 53.5% of the total variance. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated good model fit (χ²/df = 3.839, CFI = 0.968, RMSEA = 0.081). Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's α = 0.91), test-retest reliability was strong (r = 0.88), and convergent validity with the Climate Change Worry Scale was substantial (r = 0.82). Solastalgia scores were significantly higher among individuals with stronger attachment to nature and greater climate-related concern. The Turkish version of the Solastalgia Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing psychological distress associated with environmental degradation.