Work

How does a disaster change consumers' belief systems and retail expenditure?

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Theory of awe suggests that awe elicited by disasters can affect both consumers' belief systems, such as new ecological paradigm (NEP), and their behavioral patterns. In this vein, this research examined how a disaster experience was associated with consumers' NEP endorsement and shopping motivations. It also profiled consumers based on expenditure changes across product categories, comparing pandemic experiences, NEP, shopping motivations, and demographic characteristics. Analysis of responses from 259 U.S. consumers confirmed the NEP as a central mechanism linked to consumption changes and identified four consumer typologies with unique profiles, offering insights for retailers to predict consumer behaviors during future disasters.

Source: Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal

DOI: 10.1002/fcsr.70074

Authors: Daeun Chloe Shin, Hongjoo Woo, Sojin Jung, Byoungho Ellie Jin

Institutions: University of Houston, Yonsei University, Kyung Hee University, North Carolina State University, Ewha Womans University

Language: English

Topic: Consumer Retail Behavior Studies

Subfield: Marketing

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

OpenAlex ID: W7225652671

FWCI:

Cites: 52

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