The Contradictory Effects of Perceived Socio-Economic Class on Status Consumption Among South Korean College Students: A Stress-Coping Theory Perspective

This study investigates how subjective socio-economic class influences status consumption behaviors among college students through specific psychological processes, aiming to develop recommendations to reduce unhealthy behaviors stemming from financial and mental anxiety and to promote sustainable consumption habits that support long-term financial stability. The research applies Stress-Coping Theory to examine relationships between subjective socio-economic class, financial anxiety, financial coping behavior, and status consumption. Data were collected from university students in South Korea and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and Hayes’s Process macro model 81. Results revealed an inconsistent mediation effect in the relationship between perceived socio-economic class and status consumption. As a direct effect, lower perceived socio-economic class correlated with decreased status consumption. However, perceived socio-economic class was also found to negatively influence status consumption indirectly through the mediating variables. This study contributes to understanding the stress-coping psychological mechanisms linking socio-economic class perceptions and consumption behaviors among young adults.