Linking Perceptions, Emotions, and Actions: How Psychological Distance, Media Framing, and Guilt About Climate Crisis Promote Communication and Pro-Environmental Behavior

Juhyun Hong and Chang-Young Jeon ()
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Juhyun Hong: School of Media & Advertising, Kookmin University, Seoul 02707, Republic of Korea
Chang-Young Jeon: Media Research Center, Korea Press Foundation, Seoul 04518, Republic of Korea

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-22

Abstract: This study explored the impact of psychological distance, media coverage, and guilt on communication behavior and eco-friendly actions and found that environmental interest was a significant predictor of behavior. The findings indicate that perceptions of the severity of the climate crisis and media coverage facilitated information seeking and interpersonal communication, which in turn led to eco-friendly behavior. Additionally, guilt strongly predicted information seeking and eco-friendly product purchase intention. Information seeking and interpersonal communication positively influenced eco-friendly product purchases and energy conservation. Women and younger individuals favored face-to-face communication and public transport, while older individuals focused on energy conservation and eco-friendly purchases. Perceptions of climate crisis severity and media coverage influenced communication and eco-friendly purchases. Guilt strongly predicted information seeking and purchase intention, which emphasizes the effectiveness of emotion-based messages. The findings highlight the need for targeted strategies across demographics and political orientations to promote pro-environmental behavior.

Keywords: psychological distance; media framing; climate crisis; pro-environmental behavior; guilt and communication behavior (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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