Childhood Socioeconomic Status Linked to Conspicuous Consumption in College Students

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Shanxi Medical University investigated the impact of childhood socioeconomic status on college students' conspicuous consumption, revealing a statistically significant correlation between the two. The study, published in BMC Psychology, found that childhood socioeconomic status was associated with college students' conspicuous consumption, with social comparison and materialism acting as mediating factors. The research highlights the long-term effects of socioeconomic status on consumer behavior in young adults.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study involved 469 college students who were investigated using the Childhood Socioeconomic Status Scale, Conspicuous Consumption Scale, Social Comparison Scale, and Materialism Scale.
  • There was a statistically significant correlation between childhood socioeconomic status and social comparison (r = 0.096), as well as materialism (r = 0.118) and conspicuous consumption.
  • The mediating effect of materialism between childhood socioeconomic status and conspicuous consumption was - 0.096, with a 95% confidence interval of - 0.154 - -0.050.
  • The chain mediating effect of social comparison and materialism between childhood socioeconomic status and conspicuous consumption was - 0.118, with a 95% confidence interval of - 0.157 - -0.087.
  • The research suggests that childhood socioeconomic status has a lasting impact on consumer behavior in young adults, with social comparison and materialism playing a key role in this process.
  • The study contributes to our understanding of the complex relationships between socioeconomic status, social comparison, materialism, and conspicuous consumption in college students.

Statistics:

  • 469 college students were investigated in the study.
  • The research found a statistically significant correlation between childhood socioeconomic status and social comparison (r = 0.096).
  • The mediating effect of materialism between childhood socioeconomic status and conspicuous consumption was - 0.096.
  • The chain mediating effect of social comparison and materialism between childhood socioeconomic status and conspicuous consumption was - 0.118.

Sources:

  • Effect of childhood socioeconomic status on conspicuous consumption of college students: the chain mediating roles of social comparison and materialism. BMC Psychology, 2025, 13(1):1-8. (BMC Psychology - http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcpsychol)