Abstract

This study explores the effects of social comparison and materialism on the marriage intentions of unmarried young adults in South Korea, as well as how these relationships vary depending on levels of anxiety. An online survey was conducted with 1,000 unmarried individuals aged 20–39 across the country to collect data. Basic statistical analyses, moderation effects, and moderated mediation effects were tested for significance. The findings revealed three key results: First, social comparison and materialism were positively associated with marriage intentions, while anxiety was negatively associated. Second, anxiety had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between materialism and marriage intentions. Third, the moderated mediation analysis indicated that the influence of social comparison on marriage intentions through materialism varied depending on levels of anxiety. Specifically, individuals with higher tendencies for social comparison exhibited stronger materialistic attitudes and higher marriage intentions, but anxiety reduced these effects. The results highlight the importance of individual psychological factors and attitudes/values in shaping marriage intentions, providing valuable insights into how the psychological state (anxiety) of unmarried young adults influences the impact of their attitudes and values on marriage intentions. This study contributes to the understanding of marriage intentions by offering a quantitative examination of these factors.