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

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