Abstract
State nature connectedness – a temporary emotional bond with nature – is associated with pro-environmental behavior, but it remains unclear whether state nature connectedness interventions cause pro-environmental behavior. This study investigates whether self-efficacy messages can trigger state nature connectedness, and whether a state nature connectedness intervention causes pro-environmental behavior (water conservation in hotels). We conducted an online experiment (N = 651) testing the effectiveness of nature images and self-efficacy messages in activating state nature connectedness, and an quasi-experimental field study in a hotel, using the hot water consumption of 6,154 guests as the dependent variable. Results indicate that a lush green landscape image featuring water droplets combined with a self-efficacy message significantly increased state nature connectedness (and water-saving intentions). However, the intervention did not translate into significant reductions in water use, challenging the assumption that a state nature connectedness intervention directly influences pro-environmental behavior. These findings underscore the necessity of field experiments in assessing the real-world effectiveness of behavior change interventions and emphasize the value of publishing null results to advance cumulative knowledge on promoting pro-environmental behavior change.