This research aims at empirically investigating the effect of fear accompanied with the outbreak of COVID-19 on the emerging panic buying behavior in Palestine. Fear dimensions are assumed as reasons for the emergence of panic buying behavior, and include fear of infection, fear of food scarcity, fear of job loss, and fear of crime. This study included an online survey of a convenience sample of 367 reached through electronically administered questionnaire using e-mail and social media platforms. The research hypotheses were tested using multiple linear regression. The results show that the fear of infection, fear of food scarcity, fear of job loss, and fear of crime are predicting higher scores of panic buying behavior. The research findings contribute to existing knowledge on panic buying behavior as the research is uniquely theorizing and testing the mechanisms, by which such psychological dimensions of fear, worked in explaining buyer panic behavior during the early stages of COVID-19 pandemic; where prior research is lacking. Furthermore, this research represents a core point of intersection between two different, yet interdependent disciplines - consumer behavior and psychology. The current research conceptual model uses psychological construct (fear) to explain consumer behavior construct (panic buying). This study provides valuable information and insights on implementing appropriate policies and strategies to mitigate public fear and curb panic buying during pandemic times.

Conference Title

Corona Virus Pandemic: Its Effects and Recovery Strategies. A joint Conference Between Zarqa University - Jordan & An-Najah National University - Palestine

Conference Country

Jordan

Conference Date

March 23, 2022 - March 24, 2022

Conference Sponsor

https://iceas.zu.edu.jo/

Additional Info

Conference Website