Purpose – This paper aims to test a theoretical framework that explains arousal congruency effects on consumer perceptions of intrinsically pleasant service environments. Design/methodology/approach – A 3 (low and high target-arousal manipulation plus control group) by 3 (low, medium and high actual arousal) true experimental design was used to test our research hypotheses in a café context. Th...

BACKGROUND Listening to music is amongst the most rewarding experiences for humans. Music has no functional resemblance to other rewarding stimuli, and has no demonstrated biological value, yet individuals continue listening to music for pleasure. It has been suggested that the pleasurable aspects of music listening are related to a change in emotional arousal, although this link has not been d...

CONTEXT Despite increases in the use of modern contraceptives, Malawian women have a high unmet need for contraception. Because current understanding of contraceptive use ignores sexual pleasure and partner dynamics, this study explores the links between sexual pleasure seeking, partner dynamics and contraceptive use. METHODS As part of a larger qualitative study conducted in 2012, 23 focus g...