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Beyond instrumentalizing “good” and “bad” emotions: Towards a social, multi-affective, contextual approach to emotions in environmental communication

delete2026-07-26
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C
Carin Graminius *
M
Marlis Wullenkord
DOI:10.1007/s13280-026-02444-5delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
In this perspective, we argue for a social, multi-affective, contextual approach to emotions in environmental communication, departing from an observation that the field has often considered emotions as tools for change. To complement instrumental approaches, we stress how environmental communication as a scholarly field can benefit from a situated and contextual approach to emotions, embracing a wider perspective on emotions that recognizes that all emotions are valid. Using examples from art, activism, science communication, and cultural and psychological research, we illustrate a multifaceted approach to emotions that includes social aspects of emotions, their plurality, power dimensions, and their role in meaning-making. While research on the use-value of emotions remains important, the complexity of emotions requires varied analytical attention that more fully embraces social, cultural, and situated approaches.
Keywords:
Affective regime
Climate change
Emotions
Environmental communication
Environmental psychology
Pro-environmental behavior

Journal

AMBIO cover
AMBIO
IF:
5.1
Papers:
3.2K
Citations:
1.3W

Organization

F
Faculty of Engineering
Scholars:
892
Papers: 458
Citations: 0
F
faculty of humanities and theology
Scholars:
2
Papers: 1
Citations: 0
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