“What a lot of things I don’t need!”: consumption satiation, self-transcendence and consumer wisdom
ISSN: 0736-3761
Article publication date: 11 August 2021
Issue publication date: 2 September 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of the conditions in which consumer wisdom emerges. Based on some theories of dynamic moral and needs development, the authors have designed a first model of consumer wisdom development process, taking consumption satiation (as a new concept) and self-transcendence as its possible antecedents.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was conducted that collected 800 responses from 2 European countries with different levels of maturity with regard to consumption: France and Poland.
Findings
The authors find that consumption satiation is positively and significantly correlated with self-transcendence. Self-transcendence is positively and significantly correlated with consumer wisdom. Age seems to be partly operating as a moderating variable.
Research limitations/implications
The findings confirm that the occurrence of consumer wisdom may be partly explained by a dynamic process based on previous consumption experiences, resulting in a certain level of consumption satiation and the concomitant development of self-transcendence needs.
Practical implications
Government bodies, consumer advocacy groups and possibly corporate actors in Europe could promote consumer wisdom not only as an idealistic and benevolent attitude but as a true sign of maturity, personal accomplishment, well-being and success.
Originality/value
This research work studies new antecedents of emerging consumer wisdom, outside personal values and socio-demographics. The authors define and identify “consumption satiation” as one promising stage in the development process of wise, responsible consumer attitudes and behaviors.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The work was developed as a result of the research project no.2011/01/B/HS4/07572 financed from the funds of the Polish National Science Center.
Citation
Ganassali, S. and Matysiewicz, J. (2021), "“What a lot of things I don’t need!”: consumption satiation, self-transcendence and consumer wisdom", Journal of Consumer Marketing, Vol. 38 No. 5, pp. 540-551. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCM-02-2020-3637
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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