ARTICLES
DOI DOI: 10.38140/ijspsy.v4i2.1341

Paradox of materialism: Exploring the complex relationship between consumption and well-being

Mutaz Maawia Osman1
  1. 1 De Montfort University

Abstract

Abstract—This study critically examines the complex relationship between consumption and well-being, emphasising the limitations of materialism and exploring alternative avenues for achieving lasting happiness. While material consumption may offer temporary satisfaction, it ultimately falls short of providing long-term well-being. Drawing from a wide range of empirical evidence and theoretical perspectives, this study argues that true and enduring happiness is more effectively attained through the pursuit of intrinsic values, meaningful relationships, and experiences and through sustainable and mindful consumption practices. Concepts such as hedonic adaptation and the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions are discussed to explain why experiences and non-materialistic values contribute more significantly to sustained satisfaction. The study also delves into the societal implications of rampant consumerism and economic disparity, advocating for policy interventions prioritising human well-being over economic growth. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study offers insights into fostering a more fulfilling and sustainable approach to living, both on an individual and societal level.

How to Cite

Osman, M. M. (2024). Paradox of materialism: Exploring the complex relationship between consumption and well-being. International Journal of Studies in Psychology, 4(2), 63–66. https://doi.org/10.38140/ijspsy.v4i2.1341
Endnote/Zotero/Mendeley (RIS) BibTeX

References

  1. Aeon, B., Faber, A., & Panaccio, A. (2021). Does time management work? A meta-analysis. PloS One, 16(1), e0245066. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245066
  2. Auger, D. (2024). The power of leisure: Unlocking human potential through leisure. Loisir et Société / Society and Leisure, 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1080/07053436.2024.2368635
  3. Biswas-Diener, R. (2022). The paradox of materialism: Longitudinal evidence on the relationship between material values and subjective well-being. Journal of Positive Psychology, 17(2), 167-179. https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2021.1890471
  4. CIPD. (2022). Health and wellbeing at work: Survey report. Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. https://www.cipd.org/globalassets/media/comms/news/ahealth-wellbeing-work-report-2022_tcm18-108440.pdf
  5. Diener, E., Lucas, R. E., & Oishi, S. (2018). Advances and open questions in the science of subjective well-being. Collabra: Psychology, 4(1), 15. https://doi.org/10.1525/collabra.115
  6. Dittmar, H., Bond, R., Hurst, M., & Kasser, T. (2014). The relationship between materialism and personal well-being: A meta-analysis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 107(5), 879–924. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0037409
  7. Dominko, M., & Verbi?, M. (2022). The effect of subjective well-being on consumption behavior. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 56(2), 876–898. https://doi.org/10.1111/joca.12457
  8. Featherstone, M. (2018). Consumer culture and its futures: Dreams and consequences. In E. Krasteva-Blagoeva (ed.), Approaching consumer culture (pp. 1-18). Cham. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-00226-8_1
  9. Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in the broaden-and-build theory: Implications for consumption and well-being. Review of General Psychology, 5(3), 300-319. https://doi.org/10.1037/1089-2680.5.3.300
  10. Gladstone, J., Ruberton, P. M., Margolis, S., & Lyubomirsky, S. (2024). Variety in hedonic spending and its impact on well-being. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 34(1), 1-17. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcpy.1306
  11. Hudders, L., & Pandelaere, M. (2012). The silver lining of materialism: The impact of luxury consumption on subjective well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 13(3), 411–437. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-011-9271-9
  12. Humphery, K. (2019). Affluence, anti-consumerism, and the politics of consumption. In F. F. Wherry & I. Woodward (eds.), The Oxford handbook of consumption (pp. 560–576). Oxford: Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780190695583.013.33
  13. Inceoglu, I., Thomas, G., Chu, C., Plans, D., & Gerbasi, A. (2018). Leadership behavior and employee well-being: An integrated review and a future research agenda. The Leadership Quarterly, 29(1), 179-202. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.leaqua.2017.12.006
  14. Kossek, E. E., Gettings, P. E., & Misra, K. (2021). Flexible work arrangements and well-being: A comprehensive review of organizational practices and employee outcomes. Human Resource Management, 60(2), 169-189. https://doi.org/10.1002/hrm.22013
  15. Kumar, A. (2022). The unmatchable brightness of doing: Experiential consumption facilitates greater satisfaction than spending on material possessions. Current Opinion in Psychology, 46, 101343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101343
  16. Luhmann, M., Krasko, J., & Terwiel, S. (2021). Subjective well-being as a dynamic construct. In The Handbook of Personality Dynamics and Processes (pp. 1231–1249). Amsterdam: Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-813995-0.00048-0
  17. Martela, F., & Sheldon, K. M. (2019). Clarifying the concept of well-being: Psychological need satisfaction as the common core connecting eudaimonic and subjective well-being. Review of General Psychology, 23(4), 458–474. https://doi.org/10.1177/1089268019880886
  18. Nabawanuka, H., & Ekmekcioglu, E. B. (2022). Millennials in the workplace: Perceived supervisor support, work–life balance and employee well-being. Industrial and Commercial Training, 54(1), 123-144. https://doi.org/10.1108/ICT-05-2021-0041
  19. Ng, W., & Diener, E. (2019). Affluence and subjective well-being: Does income inequality moderate their associations?. Applied Research in Quality of Life, 14(1), 155–170. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11482-017-9585-9
  20. O’Neill, D. W., Fanning, A. L., Lamb, W. F., & Steinberger, J. K. (2018). A good life for all within planetary boundaries. Nature Sustainability, 1(2), 88-95. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-018-0021-4
  21. Pandelaere, M. (2016). Materialism and well-being: The role of consumption. Current Opinion in Psychology, 10, 33-38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2015.10.027
  22. Park, S., Lehto, X., & Kang, J. (2024). Balancing work and leisure: Unraveling constraints on work-leisure integration in bleisure travel. International Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Administration, 1–27. https://doi.org/10.1080/15256480.2024.2344226
  23. Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2017). Self-determination theory: Basic psychological needs in motivation, development, and wellness. Guilford Press. Retrieved from https://www.guilford.com/books/Self-Determination-Theory/Ryan-Deci/9781462538966
  24. Saez, E., & Zucman, G. (2020). The rise of income and wealth inequality in America: Evidence from distributional macroeconomic accounts. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 34(4), 3–26. https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.34.4.3
  25. Shafqat, N., Ishaq, S., & Ahmed, R. (2023). Experiential purchases as a pathway to long-term happiness: A comparative study of material and experiential consumption. Journal of Consumer Affairs, 57(2), 278-294. https://doi.org/10.1111/joca.12443
  26. Stone, B. M., & Parks, A. C. (2018). Cultivating subjective well-being through positive psychological interventions. In E. Diener, S. Oishi & L. Tay (Eds.), Handbook of well-being. Salt Lake City, UT: DEF Publishers. https://nobascholar.com
  27. Tully, S. M., & Sharma, E. (2022). Understanding the meaning of consumer wealth. Advances in Consumer Research, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/arcp.1073
  28. Vohra, V., Singh, S., & Dutta, T. (2024). Embracing flexibility post-COVID-19: A systematic review of flexible working arrangements using the SCM-TBFO framework. Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, 25(1), 1–26. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40171-023-00366-9
  29. Zhao, A. T. (2023). Employee boundary management practices and challenges. In J. Marques (ed.), The Palgrave handbook of fulfillment, wellness, and personal growth at work (pp. 1-22). Palgrave Macmillan. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-35494-6_22