Application of self congruency and cognitive dissonance in cosmetics advertising

Abstract

The relationship of image congruity and post-purchase dissonance has been reported in the marketing literature, and so has the relationship between dissonance, satisfaction and repeat purchase behavior; but the juxtaposition of all three constructs has not been investigated. In this research, congruity between self-image and the ideal image projected in an advertisement is found to correlate to post-purchase dissonance in the purchasers of lipstick. A follow-up study then tracks satisfaction and repeat purchase intentions and finds that, although sastisfaction is (as expected) not related to dissonance, repeat purchase is dependent upon both satisfaction and dissonance.