Socialization influences on preparation for later life

States that although the concept of “stress” has received increased attention in the behavioral and social sciences throughout the past five decades, it has been virtually ignored by consumer researchers. Presents conceptual and theoretical underpinnings of stress research, which suggest that many changes in individuals’ consumption behaviors are efforts to cope with stressful life circumstances. A study was conducted to test specific hypotheses about the effects of stress on consumption‐coping strategies of older adults. Results suggest that when older consumers experience stressful life circumstances, they may initiate, intensify, or change consumption activities to handle stress. Specific coping strategies were found to differ by gender. Implications for future consumer research are discussed.