When and why do cuteness cues intensify the power of message framing in promoting pro-environmental behaviors?

Abstract

Gain and loss message framing has been utilized to encourage consumers’ pro-environmental behaviors in the hospitality and tourism industries. However, little is known about when and why presenting different types of cuteness cues influences the relative effectiveness of gain-framed and loss-framed messages, despite the commonness of cuteness cues in the service environment. To address this gap, this research examines the interaction effects between message framing (gain vs. loss) and cuteness type (kindchenschema vs. whimsical) on consumers’ pro-environmental responses. Through three cross-cultural studies using the experimental design approach, our results show that when kindchenschema cuteness cues are present, loss-framed (vs. gain-framed) messages generate more favorable pro-environmental responses. In contrast, gain-framed (vs. loss-framed) messages are more effective when whimsical cuteness cues are present. Moreover, results from the mediation analyses revealed that the sense of feeling right is the underlying mechanism explaining these effects. These findings provide critical implications for theory and practice.