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Consequences of Sisyphean Efforts: Meaningless Effort Decreases Motivation to Engage in Subsequent Conservation Behaviors through Disappointment

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  • Katarzyna Byrka

    (Social Behavior Research Center, Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 53-238 Wroclaw, Poland
    Current address: SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Ostrowskiego 30b, 53-238 Wroclaw, Poland.)

  • Katarzyna Cantarero

    (Social Behavior Research Center, Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 53-238 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Dariusz Dolinski

    (Social Behavior Research Center, Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 53-238 Wroclaw, Poland)

  • Wijnand Van Tilburg

    (Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ, UK)

Abstract

This paper explores the consequences of engaging in conservation efforts that later appear purposeless. Specifically, we tested the model in which disappointment lays at the root of decreased motivation in such situations. In Studies 1 and 2, participants ( n = 239 and n = 283) imagined that they had recycled plastic bottles for a week and that an assistant had collected their garbage in either separate bags (meaningful condition) or only one bag (meaningless condition). Half of participants imagined that they had put plastic bags and screw caps into separate containers (low-effort condition), the other half imagined that they had torn off the label bands (high-effort condition). In Study 3, a longitudinal field experiment, participants ( n = 286) took part in a real situation that followed the procedure from Studies 1 and 2. Altogether, we confirmed the moderating effect of effort on relationship between meaninglessness and motivation through experienced disappointment. We discuss consequences of efforts wasted for beliefs, intentions and behaviors affording sustainable solutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Katarzyna Byrka & Katarzyna Cantarero & Dariusz Dolinski & Wijnand Van Tilburg, 2021. "Consequences of Sisyphean Efforts: Meaningless Effort Decreases Motivation to Engage in Subsequent Conservation Behaviors through Disappointment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-27, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:10:p:5716-:d:558094
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Agnes Bäker & Mario Mechtel, 2018. "The role of task meaning on output in groups: Experimental evidence," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 39(2), pages 131-141, March.
    2. Byrka, Katarzyna & Jȩdrzejewski, Arkadiusz & Sznajd-Weron, Katarzyna & Weron, Rafał, 2016. "Difficulty is critical: The importance of social factors in modeling diffusion of green products and practices," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 62(C), pages 723-735.
    3. Chandler, Dana & Kapelner, Adam, 2013. "Breaking monotony with meaning: Motivation in crowdsourcing markets," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 123-133.
    4. van Dijk, Wilco W. & Zeelenberg, Marcel & van der Pligt, Joop, 2003. "Blessed are those who expect nothing: Lowering expectations as a way of avoiding disappointment," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 24(4), pages 505-516, August.
    5. Graham Loomes & Robert Sugden, 1986. "Disappointment and Dynamic Consistency in Choice under Uncertainty," The Review of Economic Studies, Review of Economic Studies Ltd, vol. 53(2), pages 271-282.
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