The full story: Understanding how films affect environmental change through the lens of narrative persuasion

TLDR

Visual storytelling is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool for conveying environmental messages, yet a comprehensive model linking narrative persuasion to environmental outcomes remains undeveloped. The authors propose a conceptual framework linking environmental films to pro‑environmental behavior and nature connection, outlining key research questions for future study. They identify three pathways—lowering resistance to messages, engaging audience identity, and creating meaningful media experiences—through which films may influence audiences. A free Plain Language Summary is provided in the Supporting Information.

Abstract

Abstract Researchers in conservation fields have recently highlighted the potential for visual storytelling to convey environmental messages to large audiences. However, an effective model for how such narratives can produce environmental outcomes, such as human–nature connection and pro‐environmental behaviour (PEB), has not yet been developed. Substantial evidence now suggests that narrative is an effective means of changing beliefs, attitudes and behaviours. This effect is demonstrated in diverse disciplines and understood within the theoretical frameworks of narrative persuasion. We propose a conceptual framework for understanding the impacts of environmental films on environmental behaviours, and connection with nature. Linking insights from the narrative persuasion field with those of conservation psychology, we identify three promising pathways through which environmental films might influence their audiences: (a) reduced resistance to environmental messages, (b) interactions with audience identity and (c) meaningful media experiences. This analysis raises key questions and illuminates priority areas for future research, with an aim to complement and extend existing calls to better appreciate the role of film in addressing environmental problems. Research moving forward should focus on understanding the role environmental films can play in connecting people with nature, promoting PEB and the relationship between the two. Specifically, more attention should be paid to the role of deictic shift in encouraging environmental outcomes, the relation between audiences and characters and the power for film to support self‐expansion. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.