The influence of material reliance, personal control, and expectations on quality of life during consumers’ life transitions

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing from a life course theory, this paper aims to investigate the relationship between material reliance and quality of life for consumers going through a life transition, with attention given to individual differences and transition-specific characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Study 1 uses qualitative interviews with transitioning consumers, while Study 2 tests a survey-based conditional mediation model.

Findings

For liminal consumers, perceived personal control mediates the effect of material reliance on quality of life, but having negative expectations of the transition can override this effect.

Originality/value

Although previous research has given attention to material reliance, personal control and quality of life in various combinations, the impact of their combined effect has not been examined. Furthermore, these constructs have not been examined within the context of life transitions.

Citation

Thyroff, A., Siemens, J. and McAlexander, B. (2018), "The influence of material reliance, personal control, and expectations on quality of life during consumers’ life transitions", Journal of Consumer Marketing, Vol. 35 No. 7, pp. 743-753. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCM-02-2017-2078