A Conceptual Model Linking Acculturative Stress to Consumption for Symbolic Self-Completion Among First Generation Immigrants in the U.S.

Purpose of the present study was to propose a conceptual model based on Symbolic Self-Completion theory, delineating the relationship between symbolic self-completion, acculturative stress, duration of stay in the U.S., and the purchase intentions for ethnic identity related apparel among the first-generation immigrants in the U.S. We proposed that (PI) commitment to ethnic identity positively influences acculturative stress; (P2) when the duration of stay in the U.S. is less (more), higher commitment to ethnic identity predicts higher (lower) acculturative stress; (P3) when the perceived feeling of incompleteness in ethnic identity is higher (lower), higher commitment to ethnic identity will predict higher (lower) acculturative stress; (P4) Acculturative stress positively influences the usage of symbols for ethnic self-definition; (P5) usage of symbols for ethnic self-definition positively influences the purchase intentions for ethnic identity-related apparel products. Based on these propositions and the conceptual model, theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.