A Snapshot of Five Materialism Studies in Australia

2007 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaun A. Saunders
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Environmental Concerns ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Individual Life ◽  
Life Itself ◽  
Materialistic Values

AbstractOur consumer-driven society is dependent upon economic growth and people's belief that acquiring possessions will make them happier. However, the present results suggest that materialistic values and behaviours might not be associated with psychological health or individual life satisfaction in Australia. This might be attributed in part to materialism being based largely on the process of social comparison. Furthermore, materialistic values and behaviours also do not appear to be congruent with either a love of life itself — biophilia — or environmental concerns. If materialistic persons are indeed more dependent on comparisons with others, then it might be reasonably hypothesised that they would also score lower on self-esteem, and this should be a direction for future research.

scholarly journals Psychological Factors Influencing Life Satisfaction of Undergraduates

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bukunmi O Adewumi ◽  
Olubukola Ajayi
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Emotional Intelligence ◽  
Perceived Stress ◽  
Significant Influence ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Factors Influencing

This study was designed to assess the psychological factors influencing life satisfaction of undergraduates. The instruments used were Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS), Rosenberge Self-esteem Scale (RSS), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). A total number of 190 participants were purposively selected across various faculties in Ekiti State University. Four hypotheses were tested using Independent t-test to find the effects of perceived stress, emotional intelligence, and self-esteem on life satisfaction. Multiple regression was used to find the joint and individual influences of these variables. The results showed that there is no significant influence of perceived stress on life satisfaction (t (75) = 1.23, p = .22, 95% CI [-1.14, 4.83). There is no significant influence of self-esteem on life satisfaction (t (51) = -1.31, p = .20, 95% CI [-5.28, 1.11), and there is no significant joint influence of perceived stress, emotional intelligence and self-esteem on life satisfaction (F (3,187) = 1.79, p = .15, R2 =.03). Additionally, perceived stress (β = .07, p = .33), emotional intelligence (β = .14, p = 054) and self-esteem (β = .02, p = .83) did not have independent influences on life satisfaction. Implications of the present findings for future research are discussed, as well as potential interventions for improving life satisfaction.

Subjective Family Socioeconomic Status and Life Satisfaction in Chinese Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem and Social Support

2020 ◽  
pp. 0044118X2094134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenjing Yan ◽  
Kairong Yang ◽  
Qiuling Wang ◽  
Xuqun You ◽  
Feng Kong
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Chinese Adolescents ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Family Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Mediation Analyses ◽  
Significant Difference

This study aimed at examining the relationships among subjective family socioeconomic status (FSES), self-esteem (SE), social support (SS), and life satisfaction (LS) in two independent samples of Chinese adolescents. In Study 1, 510 adolescents were asked to complete a multi-section questionnaire. The mediation analyses indicated that subjective FSES predicted LS through three pathways. First, subjective FSES predicted LS through the mediating effect of SE. Second, subjective FSES predicted LS through the mediating effect of SS. Third, subjective FSES predicted LS through the serial mediating effect of SS and SE. Besides, the contrast tests revealed that the mediating effect of SE had no significant difference with that of SS. To test whether the above results are stable and replicable, we further conducted a validation study in Sample 2 ( N = 405) and found all the results remained significant. Implications for future research and limitations are discussed.

scholarly journals Depression Due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents

2021 ◽  
pp. 224-227
Author(s):  
Pratheek R. Kashyap ◽  
Rakesh Kumar Jha ◽  
Praful Patil
Keyword(s):  
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Polycystic Ovary ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Ovary Syndrome ◽  
Small Cyst ◽  
Psychiatric Issues

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) is a common endocrinal disorder of reproductive age, that cause enlarged ovaries with small cyst on the outer edges with infrequent or prolonged menstrual cycles, excess hair growth, acne and obesity, which is nowadays prevailing among females at adolescent stage. About 5-10% of women among the general population of in the world are affected by PCOS. There is an increase in the prevalence of PCOS among the women and young girls of reproductive age, where they experience depression because of PCOS particularly. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown. The early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may reduce the long term complications of PCOS. It is not only a problem associated with reproduction, but also has associated vital metabolic and psychological health risks. Aim: Depression Due to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents Conclusion: In comparison to safe controls, adolescents with PCOS had lower self-esteem, more anxiety, and more depressive symptoms. Future research is required to look into the psychiatric issues that affect adolescents with PCOS.

Gratitude as a Mediator of the Effects of Savoring on Positive Adjustment to Aging

2020 ◽  
pp. 009141502091999
Author(s):  
Fred B. Bryant ◽  
Karen A. Osowski ◽  
Jennifer L. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Attitudes Toward Aging ◽  
Life Lessons ◽  
Adjustment To Aging

We extended the previous experimental work with older adults by testing mediating variables through which savoring valuable “life lessons” improves attitudes toward aging and boosts well-being. A sample of 202 adults aged 65 or older were randomly assigned to either an experimental condition (in which they reflected on important lessons life had taught them) or a control condition (in which they reflected on their typical morning routine). Contemplating life lessons increased feelings of gratitude, which in turn boosted positive attitudes toward aging, life satisfaction, state hope, and state self-esteem. Additional analyses supported a three-path mediational model, in which reflecting on life lessons increased levels of savoring, which led to greater gratitude, which in turn predicted stronger positive attitudes toward aging, life satisfaction, and hope. We discuss implications of these findings for future research on savoring interventions for older adults and suggest future directions designed to advance understanding of these experimental effects.

scholarly journals Instagram Use, InstaMums, and Anxiety in Mothers of Young Children

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Mara Moujaes ◽  
Diarmuid Verrier
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Comparison Theory ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Social Comparison Orientation

Abstract. The emergence of social media has revolutionized communication and has had a profound effect on many aspects of motherhood. Image-centric social media, despite its overwhelming popularity, has faced much criticism for over-idealistic portrayals and the pressures it may place on women throughout pregnancy and the early years of their child’s life. This research aimed to determine whether a significant relationship exists between postnatal anxiety and Instagram usage in mothers with young children. The associational, cross-sectional design uses a sample of 210 mothers, aged 22–45, who have one or more children aged under 5 years. An online questionnaire measured anxiety, Instagram usage, and several potentially moderating traits. We found that the relationship between anxiety and online engagement with InstaMums – mothers made famous by Instagram – was moderated by both social comparison orientation and self-esteem. Engagement with InstaMums was associated with greater anxiety in those with higher social comparison orientation; it was also associated with greater anxiety in those with lower self-esteem. These findings are discussed in connection with social comparison theory, implications for healthy social media use, as well as avenues for future research.

scholarly journals Η επένδυση σε υλιστικές αξίες και η σχέση τους με το αίσθημα ευημερίας κατά την εφηβική ηλικία

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 201
Author(s):  
Αικατερίνη Ν. Κορνηλάκη
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Psychosocial Adjustment ◽  
Satisfaction With Life ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Relative Strength ◽  
Life Goals ◽  
Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽  
Materialistic Values ◽  
Material Values

The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of materialistic values among Greek adolescents and its associations with well-being measures, such as life satisfaction and self-esteem. Materialistic values were investigated within the wider context of their life goals and aspirations. A growing body of evidence in adults suggests that a strong focus on materialistic values is associated with low self-esteem, depression, problems of psychosocial adjustment and lower life satisfaction. Four hundred sixty-eight adolescents aged 13-15 years completed a structured questionnaire entailing the Material Values Scale (Richins, 2004), Rosenberg’s (1965) global Self-esteem Scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985). Young adolescents’ life goals and aspirations were measured with the Aspiration Index (Kasser & Ryan, 1993) assessing the relative strength of intrinsic versus extrinsic aspirations. The findings of the study suggest that investment in materialistic values was associated with lower self-esteem and life satisfaction. Materialism was related to extrinsic life aspirations. The interpretation of the findings and their implications on adolescents’ well-being are discussed.

scholarly journals How Does Substance Use Affect Personality Development? Disentangling Between- and Within-Person Effects

2020 ◽  
pp. 194855062092170
Author(s):  
Lara Kroencke ◽  
Niclas Kuper ◽  
Wiebke Bleidorn ◽  
Jaap Denissen
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Drug Use ◽  
Personality Traits ◽  
Multilevel Models ◽  
Theoretical Work ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Personality Change ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Big Five Personality

Little is known about the effects of substance use on changes in broad personality traits. This 10-year longitudinal study sought to fill this void using a large, representative sample of the Dutch population ( N = 10,872), which provided annual assessments of drug use (tobacco, alcohol, sedatives, soft drugs, ecstasy, hallucinogens, and hard drugs), Big Five personality traits, life satisfaction, and self-esteem. Using multilevel models, we examined the longitudinal associations between drug use and personality both between and within persons. Results indicated that individuals with low levels of conscientiousness, life satisfaction, and self-esteem, as well as high levels of neuroticism, used more drugs on average (between-person effects). In contrast, we found little evidence for personality change following substance use (within-person effects). We discuss these findings in the context of previous empirical and theoretical work and highlight opportunities for future research.

scholarly journals Consumption-oriented engagement in social network sites

2019 ◽  
Vol 53 (7) ◽  
pp. 1355-1377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hillbun Ho ◽  
Kenichi Ito
Keyword(s):  
Social Network ◽  
Young Adult ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Social Network Sites ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Materialistic Values ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Mounting empirical evidence shows that engagement in social network sites (SNSs) could have a negative impact on users’ personal well-being. However, studies of the undesirable effects of SNS use have not examined SNSs as a channel for users to share consumption information and experiences. To extend prior research, this study aims to examine the impact of consumption-oriented engagement (COE) in SNSs on young adult consumers’ personal well-being in terms of anxiety and self-esteem, as well as excessive spending. Design/methodology/approach Surveys were the primary means of data collection from a sample of young college students (N = 900). Moderated hierarchical regression was used to test the hypotheses. Findings COE is positively associated with anxiety and excessive spending and negatively associated with self-esteem. Social comparison mediates these relationships, and individuals’ materialistic values moderate the mediation. Research limitations/implications This study demonstrates the psychological and behavioral outcomes of consumer socialization via digital media among young adult consumers. It introduces and empirically validates social comparison as a theoretical explanation for the effects of COE. In addition, it validates materialistic values as a personal trait that moderates the effects of COE. Practical implications The study validates COE as a key precursor to the well-being of young adult users of SNSs and social comparison as the mediator. With this understanding, public policies can be designed to mitigate the root cause of the negative impact of SNS use. Originality/value Findings shed light on the negative repercussions of engagement in SNSs in the consumption domain and provide an impetus for educators, researchers and policymakers to make further efforts to gain a thorough understanding of the pitfalls of social media use.

Deciphering Subjective Trajectories for Life Satisfaction Using Self–Versus–Normative Other Discrepancies, Self–Esteem and Hope

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Becky L. Choma ◽  
Michael A. Busseri ◽  
Stan W. Sadava
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Young Adults ◽  
Social Comparison ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Latent Growth Curve ◽  
Latent Growth ◽  
Widespread Belief ◽  
Temporal Trajectory ◽  
Self Consistency ◽  
Over Time

Drawing on temporal and social comparison perspectives, we examined sources of the widespread belief that life gets better and better over time by determining how young adults evaluate their past, present and anticipated future life satisfaction (LS) relative to beliefs about normative others. We assessed whether patterns of subjective LS trajectories based on self–versus–normative other discrepancies varied as a function of self–esteem and whether such patterns were accounted for by hope, encompassing goal–related cognitions and motivations. University participants (n = 394) completed measures of their own and normative others’ past, present and anticipated future LS, as well as self–esteem and hope scales. Results from latent growth curve analyses demonstrated that high–self–esteem and low–self–esteem individuals perceived normative others’ LS as progressing on a similar upward subjective temporal trajectory; however, high–self–esteem individuals perceived self–improvement from past to present LS and self–consistency from present to future LS relative to others. Low–self–esteem individuals perceived self–consistency from past to present LS and self–improvement from present to future LS relative to others. These associations were accounted for by hope. This research highlights the utility of combining temporal and social comparison perspectives for understanding how people envision their LS unfolding over time. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

scholarly journals Mental Health Outcomes among Chinese College Students over a Decade

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (23) ◽  
pp. 12742
Author(s):  
Sibo Zhao ◽  
Jie Zhang ◽  
Lisu Peng ◽  
Wenhui Yang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Support ◽  
College Students ◽  
Economic Growth ◽  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Psychological Health ◽  
Perceived Social Support ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Mental Health Outcomes

Background: Economic growth in China has brought about significant social and psychological changes in society. Objective: This study aims to explore how the mental and psychological health of college students has changed over the past decade. Methods: We observed several cohort samples in a Chinese university over a decade and looked at five mental health outcomes, including suicidal ideation, depression, optimism, self-esteem, and perceived social support, throughout each year of testing. Results: Our study highlights the declining rates of suicidal ideation and depression, combined with relative stability and even small increases in optimism, self-esteem, and perceived social support across a range of demographic variables. Conclusions: The findings of this study imply that in the context of economic growth, stabilizing and improving positive mental health states can help prevent and reduce the risk of depression and suicidal ideation among college students. The study also highlighted the need for more public health campaigns and interventions in universities to help students cope with mental health problems.

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