ABSTRACT

Although the need for canine companionship has had an increasing impact on individuals’ travel plans, the literature has yet to develop the role of consumer-pet relationship in the process of traveler’s decision making. Drawing on socio-psychological research, this study aims to test the novel empathetic self-regulation model by examining how pet-owner’s emotions, perceptions, and desires are influenced by current pet-friendly accommodation options.

Results supported all postulated paths on empathetic self-regulation: anticipated emotions (positive and negative) lead to desire, and desire positively influences promotion actions and negatively influences prevention actions. Interestingly, perceived behavioral control moderates the relationship between anticipated positive emotions and desires. When consumers perceived an increase in behavioral control, the influence of their positive emotions on their desires became weaker, aligning with the theory of self-regulation. The findings described the self-regulation procedures involved in tourists’ decision processes, which revealed a meaningful socio-psychological aspect influenced by internal and external resources. The findings advance the understanding of the empathetic self-regulation process involved in seeking canine companionship in order to develop a profitable vacation model for the right target market segment.

摘要

尽管对犬类陪伴的需求对个人旅行计划的影响越来越大，但文献尚未发展消费者与宠物关系在旅行者决策过程中的作用。本研究利用社会心理学研究，旨在通过检查宠物主人的情绪、感知和欲望如何受到当前宠物友好型住宿选择的影响，来测试新的移情自我调节模型。

结果支持所有关于移情自我调节的假设路径：预期情绪（积极和消极）导致欲望，欲望对促进行为产生积极影响，对预防行为产生负面影响。有趣的是，感知行为控制调节了预期的积极情绪和欲望之间的关系。当消费者感知到行为控制的增加时，他们的积极情绪对他们的欲望的影响变得更弱，这与自我调节理论一致。研究结果描述了游客决策过程中涉及的自我调节程序，揭示了受内部和外部资源影响的有意义的社会心理方面。