3. Methodology
This study represents exploratory research. According
to Hair et al.(2003), the exploratory approach to research is
geared toward discovery and aims to test specific research
hypotheses. A theoretical model is developed to investigate
the influence of behavioral factors in debt situations.
Furthermore, to evaluate demographic and cultural variables,
10 relations are developed for testing. In total, 10 hypotheses
are considered relations, as shown in Table 1.
The 10 hypotheses refer to the above-described model,
which describes the relations among the constructs considered.
The 10 relations refer to demographic and
cultural variables and are analyzed from parametric hypothesis
tests; the T test is used for up to two groups, and
analysis of variance is used for more than two groups.
Regarding the theoretical model, it appears that the
first hypothesis establishes a relation between materialism
and propensity toward indebtedness. This finding is based
on Watson (1998) and Ponchio (2006), who show that
more materialistic individuals are exposed to higher levels
of propensity toward indebtedness. In Ponchio (2006), for
example, more materialistic individuals are more likely
to engage in credit for consumption purposes, showing a
more positive attitude toward debt, i.e., the higher the level
of materialism, the more likely the individual will be in
debt.
The second hypothesis refers to financial literacy. Based
on Chen and Volpe (1998) and Disney and Gathergood
(2011), we attempt to determine whether financial literacy
inversely impacts propensity toward indebtedness.
The third hypothesis of the theoretical model attempts
to identify the impact of the value of money on materialism.
Macedo et al. (2011) note that money changes interpersonal
relationships among individuals, who seek social
status through their financial behavior. This quest for social
recognition hinders the level of materialism, i.e., people
tend to use more and more money to acquire material
goods (not always necessary) that satisfy their desires and
indicate a better position in society. Therefore, a relation is
established between these two constructs (value of money
and materialism).
Next, two hypotheses related to the construct of risk are
developed, one focused on risk perception and the other on
risk behavior. In these relations, it is notable that the higher
the perceived risk is, the lower the level of debt becomes.
Moreover, the more conservative behavior toward risk is,
the lower the level of debt becomes (Caetano et al., 2011).
The value of money construct may also influence
indebtedness and emotion. Accordingly, Stone and Maury
(2006) investigate the personal aspects that influence
debt and note that factors such as obsession, inadequacy,
and retention of money are important in predicting the
condition of being in debt. People who save a greater
proportion of their income tend to appreciate it more
and therefore tend to have negative emotions, in case
they suffer serious financial problems and shortage of
money. On the other hand, there are people who prefer