Paradox of materialism: Exploring the complex relationship between consumption and well-being
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...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Global Association of Educational and Research in Psychology
2024-09-01
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| Series: | International Journal of Studies in Psychology |
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| Online Access: | https://pubs.ufs.ac.za/index.php/ijspsy/article/view/1341 |
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| author | Mutaz Maawia Osman |
| author_facet | Mutaz Maawia Osman |
| author_sort | Mutaz Maawia Osman |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | 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. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-06c0f50cac1a442bbcacf1b504f84b9b |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 2710-2319 2710-2327 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-09-01 |
| publisher | Global Association of Educational and Research in Psychology |
| record_format | Article |
| series | International Journal of Studies in Psychology |
| spelling | doaj-art-06c0f50cac1a442bbcacf1b504f84b9b2025-08-20T02:05:31ZengGlobal Association of Educational and Research in PsychologyInternational Journal of Studies in Psychology2710-23192710-23272024-09-0142636610.38140/ijspsy.v4i2.13411305Paradox of materialism: Exploring the complex relationship between consumption and well-beingMutaz Maawia Osman0De Montfort UniversityAbstract—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.https://pubs.ufs.ac.za/index.php/ijspsy/article/view/1341consumptionintrinsic values hedonic adaptationmaterialismsustainability materialism well-being |
| spellingShingle | Mutaz Maawia Osman Paradox of materialism: Exploring the complex relationship between consumption and well-being International Journal of Studies in Psychology consumption intrinsic values hedonic adaptation materialism sustainability materialism well-being |
| title | Paradox of materialism: Exploring the complex relationship between consumption and well-being |
| title_full | Paradox of materialism: Exploring the complex relationship between consumption and well-being |
| title_fullStr | Paradox of materialism: Exploring the complex relationship between consumption and well-being |
| title_full_unstemmed | Paradox of materialism: Exploring the complex relationship between consumption and well-being |
| title_short | Paradox of materialism: Exploring the complex relationship between consumption and well-being |
| title_sort | paradox of materialism exploring the complex relationship between consumption and well being |
| topic | consumption intrinsic values hedonic adaptation materialism sustainability materialism well-being |
| url | https://pubs.ufs.ac.za/index.php/ijspsy/article/view/1341 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT mutazmaawiaosman paradoxofmaterialismexploringthecomplexrelationshipbetweenconsumptionandwellbeing |