Pandemics and consumers' mental well‐being

• Published date: 01 March 2022
• Author: Elizabeth A. Minton
• Date: 01 March 2022
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/joca.12444

COMMENTARY

Pandemics and consumers' mental well-being

Elizabeth A. Minton

College of Business, University of

Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA

Correspondence

Elizabeth A. Minton, College of Business,

University of Wyoming, 1000

E. University Ave., Dept. 3275, Laramie,

WY 82071, USA.

Email: eminton@uwyo.edu

Abstract

This article presents the immense impact that pan-

demics can have specifically on consumers' mental

well-being, extending many of the well-being topics

examined in this special issue on pandemics and con-

sumer well-being. Avenues for future research in the

area are suggested, with expanded discussion and

future research suggestions related to four consumer

characteristics including three areas associated with

negative mental well-being (parenthood, suffering with

chronic illness, aging, and family) as well as another

characteristic associated with positive mental well-

being (religion). The article concludes with a pressing

call to action for academics and others to step up to the

purpose in their careers and make a difference in the

world for good in relation to consumers' mental well-

being.

KEYWORDS

aging consumers, consumer well-being, consumers' mental

well-being, health, pandemic, parenthood, pregnancy, religion

1|INTRODUCTION

This special issue of the Journal of Consumer Affairs examines the influence of pandemics on

consumer well-being in general. The term consumer well-being reflects the consumption journey

from pre-acquisition to disposal (Lee et al., 2002) and involves both emotional and cognitive

responses, characterized by three elements: consumer satisfaction, perceived quality of life, and

positive emotions (Zhao & Wei, 2019).

Papers in this special issue examine many different aspects of consumer well-being as they

intersect the COVID-19 pandemic. These papers center around two broad themes—(1) how the

Received: 14 February 2022 Accepted: 15 February 2022

DOI: 10.1111/joca.12444

© 2022 American Council on Consumer Interests.

J Consum Aff. 2022;56:5–14. wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/joca 5