Satisfaction with Material Possessions and General Well-Being: The Role of Materialism

Abstract

We theorize that overall life satisfaction is largely a composite of satisfaction from various life domains. The focus of this study is the material life domain, a psychological construct that groups consumer experiences related to the possession of economic goods. Consistent with our overarching hypothesis, we hypothesized that satisfaction with material possessions influences overall life satisfaction. We further hypothesized that the degree of influence material -satisfaction has on life satisfaction is moderated by materialism, i.e., involvement with possessions. Specifically, material possessions will more strongly influence life satisfaction for materialistic than for non-materialistic individuals. We also hypothesized   that   satisfaction with material possessions is influenced by materialism. Specifically, those who are materialistic are more likely to be dissatisfied with their possessions because they are more likely to have high possession expectations. The model’s constructs were operationalized in the context of a survey that was administered to about 300 college students. The data provided general support for the model.