Materialism and Well-Being: A Conflicting Values Perspective
Author(s)
Burroughs, James E.; Rindfleisch, Aric
Abstract
Materialism is generally viewed as the value placed on the acquisition of material objects. Previous research finds that high levels of material values are negatively associated with subjective well-being. However, relatively little is known about the relationship between materialism and well-being within the broader context of an individual’s value system. In this article, the authors examine the relationship between material values and other important life values and draw on values theory to examine a novel conceptualization of why materialism is antithetical to well-being. They propose that the individual orientation of material values conflicts with collective-oriented values, such as family values and religious values. This state of values conflict creates psychological tension, and this tension is associated with a reduced sense of well-being.
