Beyond Material Possessions: The Interplay among Holistic Thinking, the Diderot Effect, Prestige Sensitivity, and Self-Actualization on Purchase Intention

Abstract

Consumers' purchase intentions are affected differently. Although there are numerous reasons and hidden triggers for consumption action, the most important point to remember when analyzing consumption behavior is that consumers fulfill consumption under some effects such as holistic thinking, the Diderot Effect, prestige sensitivity, and self-actualization. Previous studies have primarily examined these factors separately, and there is a need for research that investigates their interaction. This study attempts to investigate the interplay among holistic thinking, the Diderot Effect, prestige sensitivity, and self-actualization on purchase intention. The sample for this study was collected using convenience sampling from a diverse group of 426 consumers. Participants were asked to complete a self-administered survey that included measures of holistic thinking, the Diderot effect, prestige sensitivity, self-actualization, and purchase intention. This study is a cross-sectional survey that uses structural equation modeling to test the relationships between the variables in the conceptual model. The data were analyzed using SPSS for Windows 22.00 and AMOS 24.0 programs.Data analysis revealed that there was no significant impact of holistic thinking on the Diderot Effect. However, a significant relationship was found between Prestige Sensitivity and the Diderot Effect, acting as a mediator between the Diderot Effect and purchase intention. Furthermore, a statistically significant positive relationship was observed between the Diderot Effect and Purchase Intention, indicating a moderate positive relationship. Findings also show that the Diderot Effect doe does not have mediating role between holistic thinking and purchase intention.By expanding on existing knowledge and providing a more comprehensive perspective on the dynamics between these variables, the study contributes to the theoretical understanding of consumer behavior. Besides, understanding these variables that influence consumers' purchase intentions can provide marketers with valuable insights, allowing them to tailor their strategies and offerings to match consumer motivations.

Keywords: Holistic thinking, The Diderot Effect, prestige sensitivity, self-actualization, psychological factors, purchase intention

DOI: 10.7176/JMCR/90-02

Publication date:July 31^st 2023