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. 2024 Aug 16:15:1395674.
doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1395674. eCollection 2024.

Basic human values and the adoption of cryptocurrency

Adrian Stanciu  1 , Melanie Partsch  2 , Clemens M Lechner  3
Affiliations

Basic human values and the adoption of cryptocurrency

Adrian Stanciu et al. Front Psychol. .

Abstract

Cryptocurrency is an attempt to create an alternative to centralized financial systems using blockchain technology. However, our understanding of the psychological mechanisms that drive cryptocurrency adoption is limited. This study examines the role of basic human values in three stages of cryptocurrency adoption-awareness, intention to buy, and ownership-using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Logistic regression analysis was conducted on a quota sample of 714 German adults, and the results showed that openness-to-change values increased the likelihood of cryptocurrency awareness, while self-enhancement values increased the likelihood of intention to buy and ownership. These findings were consistent even after controlling for demographic characteristics, attitudinal beliefs, and perceived behavioral control, which are important factors in the TPB. The results suggest that basic human values may influence an individual's decision to adopt cryptocurrency, but the transition from awareness to ownership may be influenced by socio-economic opportunities available to interested individuals.

Keywords: basic human values; cryptocurrency adoption; inequalities; logit regression analysis; theory of planned behavior.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Marginal effects of openness to change on cryptocurrency awareness.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Marginal effects of self-enhancement on intention to buy cryptocurrency.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Marginal effects of self-enhancement on owns cryptocurrency, calculated for age, gender, understands cryptocurrency, and attitude about being a good time to buy cryptocurrency.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Marginal effects of self-enhancement on owns cryptocurrency, calculated for age, gender, understands cryptocurrency, and attitude about cryptocurrency being a money exchange opportunity.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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