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Psychosocial resources linking consumer identification and social well-being: Integrating the social identity approach with transformative service research

Author

Listed:
  • Inoue, Yuhei
  • Sato, Mikihiro
  • Swanson, Steve
  • Lock, Daniel
  • Du, James
  • Funk, Daniel C.

Abstract

This research integrates the social identity approach (SIA) to health and well-being with Transformative Service Research to explore how group-based psychosocial resources mediate the relationship between consumers’ identification with service organizations and their social well-being. Two studies with US and UK consumers of sport organizations found that purpose and meaning, perceived pro-group norms, and in-group trust functioned as mediators between consumer identification and social well-being. In addition, in-group trust served as an immediate mediator, transmitting the effects of purpose and meaning as well as perceived pro-group norms on social well-being. These findings contribute to Transformative Service Research by illustrating group-level psychological processes for promoting consumer well-being, activated through social identification with service organizations. This perspective advances current understanding of how service organizations engage consumers as in-group members to foster their well-being, extending the application of the SIA to health and well-being in business and service research.

Suggested Citation

  • Inoue, Yuhei & Sato, Mikihiro & Swanson, Steve & Lock, Daniel & Du, James & Funk, Daniel C., 2025. "Psychosocial resources linking consumer identification and social well-being: Integrating the social identity approach with transformative service research," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 195(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:195:y:2025:i:c:s0148296325001845
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2025.115361
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    References listed on IDEAS

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