Self-expressiveness in shopping

Some people experience self-expressiveness in shopping. Self-expressiveness in shopping is defined as the degree to which consumers they think shopping activity is an important part of their self-concept. This paper reports on the testing of a model dealing with antecedents and consequences of self-expressiveness in shopping. Based on eudaimonistic identity theory, we hypothesized that feeling of self-expressiveness in shopping is influenced by consumers' flow experiences in shopping activities, self-realization potential through shopping, and effort expended through shopping. We also hypothesize that self-expressiveness in shopping increases overall life satisfaction, mediated by perceived impact of shopping on life satisfaction. The model was tested using a panel of 5440 shoppers. The results provide good support for the model. Managerial implications are discussed in addition to avenues for future research. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd

Linking Advertising, Materialism, and Life Satisfaction

This paper develops theory related to advertising, materialism, and life satisfaction by formally testing explanations related to the antecedents and consequences of materialism. Survey data were collected from seven major cities each in a different country (Australia, Bosnia/Herzegovina, Germany, Egypt, Korea, Turkey, and the USA) using a probability sample (cluster sampling method involving income stratification). The results showed that the extent to which advertising is perceived to be materialistic contributes to materialism. Materialism, in turn, leads to the frequent use of various standards of comparison in making judgments about standard of living. As judgments about standard of living increase, standard of living is evaluated more negatively. In turn, negative self-evaluations contribute significantly to dissatisfaction with life. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media B.V

Self-congruity theory: to what extent does it hold in tourism?

This paper investigates (1) if, and to what extent, self-congruity theory is applicable in tourism, (2) to what extent travel and person characteristics explain the degree of self-congruity, and (3) how the operationalization of self-congruity affects the conclusions about whether self-congruity holds in tourism. Results derived from a large-scale study of Swiss travelers indicate that conclusions depend heavily on how self-congruity is measured. Using a relatively strict measure, more than half the trips under study can be classified as self-congruent. However, travel and sociodemographic characteristics are very limited in their ability to explain when self-congruity occurs