Tourists’ need for uniqueness and ethnic food purchase intention: A moderated serial mediation model

Abstract

Although the need for uniqueness has been extensively investigated by consumer researchers, food and tourism researchers have been silent on this promising research topic. This study examined food neophilia and ethnic food involvement as potential mediators of the association between tourists' need for uniqueness (TNFU) and ethnic food purchase intention. Additionally, it was tested whether independent self-construal moderates this serial mediation effect. Results showed that the relationship between tourists’ need for uniqueness and ethnic food purchase intention was serially and positively mediated by food neophilia and ethnic food involvement. Furthermore, the moderated serial mediation effect was stronger at higher values of independent self-construal.