The Check is In the Mail: An Analysis of the Antecedents of Consumer Debt

Abstract

Studies in the field of marketing and society that address consumer debt are relevant for helping the consumer to preserve his/her financial health. This manuscript analyzed the antecedents of consumer debt by means of attitude towards money, attitude towards credit card, self-control, compulsive buyings, impulsive buyings, and debt propensity. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and structural equations modeling. The sample consisted of 301 respondents that provided their perceptions through a Google Docs online form. The direct influence of the attitude towards credit card on debt propensity was accepted. Some hypotheses were not confirmed, which can be explained by the specific characteristics of Brazilian consumers. Findings suggest that marketing should pay attention to the actual practices and the legislation about credit card use.