The role of emotional mediation in the SOR framework: agricultural souvenirs and purchase intentions
摘要
This study explores tourists’ purchasing behavior regarding agricultural souvenirs through the lens of the stimulus-organism response (SOR) framework. It examines how physical, environmental, social, and cultural stimulation shapes tourists’ emotions and influences their purchase intentions. By identifying the key factors that enhance the appeal of these souvenirs, the research fills a gap in the existing literature on consumer behavior in agricultural tourism. Data were collected through 503 valid responses from tourists visiting agricultural specialty areas in Pingtung. Using structural equation modeling, the results show that physical stimulation, such as sensory attributes like aroma and texture, positively influenced pleasure and arousal emotions, increasing purchase intentions. Social and cultural stimulation also contributed to emotional reactions, with social stimulation influencing pleasure and cultural stimulation impacting pleasure and arousal. However, environmental stimulation had no significant effect on emotions or purchase intentions. Moreover, both pleasant and arousal emotions mediated the relationship between stimulation and purchase intentions. The findings suggest that tourism operators should focus on creating emotionally engaging experiences, emphasizing sensory appeal and cultural significance, to enhance purchase intentions. These results provide practical insights for souvenir producers, marketers, and policymakers in boosting agricultural souvenir sales and supporting the local economy.