Validation of Self-Determination Scale: An Experiential Consumption Perspective

Abstract

Purpose-Previous studies have not underscored the importance of employing a self-determination scale in the experiential marketing and consumption domain. It is thus valuable to validate such a scale to encompass the essence of the concept of self-determination and capture all the relevant conceptual meanings for the scale to be examined in a broad nomological experiential consumption framework. Method-The current study follows a typical scale validation procedure. Studies 1 and 2 conduct the initial exploratory factor analysis, test model fit, and examine the convergent as well as discriminant validity of the adapted self-determination scale. Study 3 tests the nomological validity of self-determination in an experiential consumption context and establishes that self-determination mediates the relationship between fear of missing out (FoMO) and purchase intentions regarding experiential products. Findings-The scale of self-determination regarding experiential consumption has been validated, and its applicability can be extended to various types of experiential products. Moreover, self-determination, particularly the autonomy and competence dimensions, mediates the relationship between FoMO and purchase intentions regarding experiential products. Limitations-The average age of the participants across the three studies is 24.28 years old, which represents young generations, such as millennials, and Generation Z. Future studies can test the scale among older generations, such as Generation X and baby boomers. Another limitation is that the causal role in this relationship remains unclear. Future studies should employ an experimental design to examine the antecedent role of FoMO in relation to self-determination. Implications-Managers should design experiential products that can better fulfill individuals' basic psychological needs in terms of how experiences can constructively produce feelings of fulfillment of one's personal potential and self-actualization. Marketers should also seek a good fit between consumers' experiences with products and consumers' specific types of psychological needs-specifically connected to autonomy,