NOSTALGIA AND CONSUMPTION
THE DIRECT IMPACT ON PURCHASE INTENTION AND THE DEBATE ON SOCIAL CONNECTION
Keywords:
Nostalgia, Conexão Social, Intenção de Compra, MediaçãoAbstract
Nostalgia, an emotional phenomenon that connects individuals to their past memories, has been explored as a strong influence on consumer behavior. This study investigates the mediation of social connection in the relationship between nostalgia and purchase intention, as well as how this mediation is influenced by consumers’ gender. A quantitative approach was adopted, with data collected from 279 participants through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using moderated mediation models. The results indicate that nostalgia has a direct effect on purchase intention; however, social connection did not significantly mediate this relationship. Furthermore, no significant differences were found regarding gender moderation in the way social connection influences purchase intention. This study contributes to the marketing literature by elucidating the direct role of nostalgia in consumer decision-making, while challenging the assumption that social connection is a necessary mediator in this process. From a managerial perspective, this understanding can help companies develop strategies that maximize consumer engagement and conversion through nostalgia, especially in an increasingly saturated and competitive market environment. Future research is encouraged to explore other potential mediators and to employ more gender-balanced samples to enhance the generalizability of the findings.
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