Achieving self-concept clarity through diaspora tourism: Insights from self-expansion theory

Abstract

Drawing on self-expansion theory, this study develops and tests an integrated model that incorporates impression in memory, place identity, destination psychological ownership, self-actualisation, and self-concept clarity to explain how diasporas achieve self-concept clarity through tourism. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among diasporic Chinese visiting their ancestral hometowns. Findings indicate that the impression in memory positively influences both place identity and destination psychological ownership. Furthermore, self-actualisation serves as a serial mediator linking place identity and destination psychological ownership to self-concept clarity. These results offer practical implications for destinations and policymakers seeking to attract diasporas, and for diasporas aiming to enhance self-concept clarity.