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on Nudge and Boosting |
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Issue of 2026–05–11
three papers chosen by Marco Novarese, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale |
| By: | Miro Mehic (Paderborn University) |
| Abstract: | Nudging has become a widely used policy instrument for promoting pro-environmental behavior. Although extensive evidence demonstrates that nudges are effective in the short term, far less is known about whether these effects persist over time. This study presents the first systematic literature review and meta-analysis focused explicitly on the long-term effects of environmental nudges. A total of 42 publications reporting 140 effect sizes (N = 613, 894) were synthesized using a three-level random-effects model. Across all studies, nudging interventions produced a small overall effect (d = 0.30, 95% CI [0.19, 0.41]). An analysis of the temporal dynamics based on 61 effect sizes showed that long-term effects remained positive and statistically significant, although smaller in magnitude than short-term effects. A continuous meta-regression revealed a significant decline in effectiveness over time (β = –0.0113), indicating gradual behavioral decay. Quartile analyses confirmed this pattern, with significant effects up to 60 days after intervention and increasing heterogeneity in effectiveness thereafter. Moderator analyses revealed substantial variation across nudge types. The findings provide systematic evidence that environmental nudges do lead to persistent behavior change, though with clear attenuation over time. These results offer important implications for policymakers and organizations designing long-term behavioral interventions and highlight the need for future research on mechanisms that enhance temporal stability. |
| Keywords: | Nudging, pro-environmental behavior, long-term effects |
| JEL: | Q5 D91 |
| Date: | 2026–04 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:pdn:dispap:178 |
| By: | Anke Hielscher (Faculty of Economics and Management, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg) |
| Abstract: | This short paper examines how green nudges can be utilized to promote sustainable behavior in the real estate sector. Based on central nudge approaches, concrete fields of application along the stages of development, usage, and marketing of real estate are identified. The objective is to provide impulses for practice-oriented measures as well as to highlight the need for further empirical research. |
| Keywords: | green nudges, nudging, real estate sector, sustainable behavior, behavioral economics |
| Date: | 2026–03 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:mag:wpaper:26003 |
| By: | Benjamin Sheehan (IUJ Research Institute, International University of Japan); Pramodhya Dissanayake |
| Abstract: | Construal level theory suggests that abstract versus concrete messages can influence prosocial behavior. However, results from the empirical literature remain inconclusive. This paper examines the effect of seven different sets of concrete vs. abstract messages upon prosocial behavior. This was done while holding the message context, sample characteristics, and measurement constant. The results suggest the impacts of message abstraction on attitudes, behavioral intent, and message involvement are small and vary in direction. Three of the seven studies show statistically significant differences, but an optimal framing approach does not emerge. A pooled analysis suggests no overall effect. These findings suggest that construal level effects in prosocial contexts may be sensitive to the specific way in which abstraction is operationalized. |
| Keywords: | Construal level theory, Prosocial behavior, Message framing, Abstract vs. concrete messages |
| Date: | 2026–05 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iuj:wpaper:ems_2026_05 |