Loneliness may Cause Materialism, but Not the Other Way Round

Loneliness may lead to materialism, but it may not be the other way round, a new study claims.

"It is widely believed that there is a vicious cycle in which loneliness leads to materialism and materialism in turn contributes to loneliness. But, contrary to popular beliefs about the universal perils of materialism, the pursuit of material possessions as part of a lifestyle of 'happy hedonism' may not actually be detrimental to consumer well-being when kept within certain limits," author Rik Pieters, from Tilburg University, wrote.

The author studied more than 2,500 consumers over a period of six years and found that loneliness was likely to lead to materialism.

However, while materialism sometimes caused loneliness, it could also decrease loneliness.

Loneliness increased over time for consumers who valued material possessions as a measure of success or a type of "happiness medicine," but decreased for those who sought possessions just for the sheer joy and fun of consumption.

The study also found that singles were lonelier than other consumers.

Singles pursued material possessions less for the pleasure of acquiring and owning them and more as a type of "material medicine."

In addition, men were more likely to view possessions as a measure of success in life and as a material medicine, whereas women viewed possessions more as a source of "material mirth."

Materialism does not necessarily lead to a vicious cycle in which shopping makes consumers lonelier.

While materialism can be bad for consumers who seek meaning or status through their possessions, it can actually benefit consumers who acquire possessions solely for pleasure and comfort.

In other words, materialism may not entirely deserve its bad reputation.

The study is published in the Journal of Consumer Research.

Source: ANI