Tiny but mighty: Investigating children's wear through the theory of planned behavior

Abstract This study examines the evolving dynamics of children's clothing consumption, highlighting Generation Alpha's growing influence on family purchasing decisions. Despite rising expenditure, children's apparel remains under‐researched, often overlooking children's consumer agency. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), an online survey of 292 parents/guardians (June 2021) tested proposed hypotheses via conditional regression analysis. Results largely supported TPB, though subjective norms did not directly predict purchase intention; instead, attitudes and behavioral control mediated this relationship. Findings also revealed children's significant participation in clothing decisions, marking a shift. Implications extend to theory, children's fashion brands, and industry practices.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal
Published
2026-01-30
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/fcsr.70044
Primary Topic
Consumer Behavior in Brand Consumption and Identification
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Tiny but mighty: Investigating children's wear through the theory of planned behavior

Laura E. McAndrews, Clair Sinclair McClure, Briana Martinez
Family and Consumer Sciences Research Journal
Consumer Behavior in Brand Consumption and Identification
article

Tiny but mighty: Investigating children's wear through the theory of planned behavior

Laura E. McAndrews, Clair Sinclair McClure, Briana Martinez
article en

Abstract

Abstract This study examines the evolving dynamics of children's clothing consumption, highlighting Generation Alpha's growing influence on family purchasing decisions. Despite rising expenditure, children's apparel remains under‐researched, often overlooking children's consumer agency. Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), an online survey of 292 parents/guardians (June 2021) tested proposed hypotheses via conditional regression analysis. Results largely supported TPB, though subjective norms did not directly predict purchase intention; instead, attitudes and behavioral control mediated this relationship. Findings also revealed children's significant participation in clothing decisions, marking a shift. Implications extend to theory, children's fashion brands, and industry practices.

Family and Consumer Sciences Research JournalVol. 54(3)
Kent State University (US), Baylor University (US), University of Georgia (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 77%
Consumer Behavior in Brand Consumption and Identification
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.