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Behavioral Sciences
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  • Open Access

22 November 2025

From Emotion to Action: How Framed Sustainability Messages Trigger Physiological Reactions and Influence Consumer Choices

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Marketing, Tourism-Service and International Relations Department, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500007 Brasov, Romania
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Management and Economic Informatics Department, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Business Administration, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500007 Brasov, Romania
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Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Behav. Sci.2025, 15(12), 1611;https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15121611 
(registering DOI)
This article belongs to the Special Issue The Emotional Antecedents and Consequences of Buying and Consuming: A Multidisciplinary Perspective on Consumers’ Emotions—Second Edition

Abstract

The study examines the emotional and physiological effects of message framing in sustainability communication. Specifically, it explores how different image–message combinations shape consumer engagement by measuring physiological arousal (activation), and emotional resonance (impact) across various product categories. By using Galvanic Skin Response data combined with a hierarchical cluster analysis, the research provides insights into how individuals process sustainability information at both emotional and cognitive levels. The results reveal diverse and nuanced reactions shaped by the interaction of message framing, topic, and gender. The identification of seven distinct response patterns contributes to emerging consumer typologies in sustainability communication, offering practical value for organizations seeking to tailor messaging, enhance audience engagement, and encourage sustainable behavior.

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