Framing Climate Change: Exploring the Role of Emotion in Generating Advocacy Behavior

Substantial research examines the cognitive factors underlying proenviron-mental message effectiveness. In contrast, this study investigates the role of emotion, fear and hope specifically, in the gain/loss framing of environmental policy initiatives. The 2 (threat vs. no threat) × 2 (gain- vs. loss...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Science communication Vol. 40; no. 4; pp. 442 - 468
Main Authors:	Nabi, Robin L., Gustafson, Abel, Jensen, Risa
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-08-2018 SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
Subjects:	Climate change Climate policy Emotions Environmental policy Framing persuasion emotion framing hope climate change
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	Substantial research examines the cognitive factors underlying proenviron-mental message effectiveness. In contrast, this study investigates the role of emotion, fear and hope specifically, in the gain/loss framing of environmental policy initiatives. The 2 (threat vs. no threat) × 2 (gain- vs. loss-framed efficacy) experiment revealed emotion, especially hope, as a key mediator between gain-framed messages and desired climate change policy attitudes and advocacy. Results further supported the value of sequencing emotional experiences to enhance persuasive effect. This research offers an inaugural test of emotional flow theorizing and highlights the need for additional research on emotional processes in environmental communication.
ISSN:	1075-5470 1552-8545
DOI:	10.1177/1075547018776019