Understanding drivers and outcomes of brand attachment in mobile branded apps

Purpose Mobile computing is an emerging trend. Building on motivational theories, brand attachment and mobile application literature, this paper tests a conceptual model with the aim to provide insights into antecedents and outcomes of consumer brand attachment in a mobile app context. Design/methodology/approach A model is developed in which antecedents and outcomes of brand attachment in a branded mobile app context are examined. Data collected from 228 mobile app users were analyzed using PLS-SEM. Findings The results confirm that hedonic motivation is positively associated with brand attachment. Nevertheless, the effects of utilitarian motivation and social motivation on brand attachment are not supported. As anticipated, brand attachment is positively associated with three outcomes, including continuance intention, purchase intention and word-of-mouth communication. Originality/value The paper extends the Mobile Application Stickiness paradigm by including brand characteristics, which had not previously been explored. Also, in terms of attachment in a mobile context, only affection has been explored; this study includes connection and passion to investigate how those components enhance desired outcomes.