What Is Materialism In Psychology? Causes And Effects

Materialism in psychology refers to a value system where owning possessions and acquiring wealth becomes a central life goal, often at the expense of relationships, personal growth, and community. Research in psychology treats materialism not as a simple love of shopping but as a deeply rooted orientation that can shape a person’s identity, decisions, and overall life satisfaction. Studies have consistently found that people who score high on materialism measures tend to report lower well-being, more anxiety, and less fulfilling relationships.

What Does Materialism Look Like in Everyday Life?

Materialism is not just about having money or liking nice things. It is a mindset where possessions define who you are. A person high in materialism might feel that their new car or designer handbag says something important about their status or worth as a human being.

Psychologists break materialism into three main parts. First is the belief that acquiring things leads to happiness. Second is the tendency to judge success by what you own. Third is a strong desire for more possessions, even after getting what you wanted. The American Psychological Association notes that materialistic people often feel a temporary boost after a purchase, but the happiness fades quickly.

This cycle of wanting, buying, and then wanting again is sometimes called the “hedonic treadmill.” You run and run but end up in the same emotional place. Some people report feeling trapped by this pattern, yet they struggle to break it because the culture around them reinforces the idea that more is better.

What Causes Materialism According to Psychological Research?

Research published in the Journal of Consumer Research has identified several causes of materialism. One major factor is insecurity. When people feel uncertain about their safety, their relationships, or their place in the world, they may turn to possessions as a source of comfort and control.

Childhood experiences play a strong role. Studies have found that children who receive material rewards in place of emotional warmth from parents often grow up to be more materialistic adults. The connection makes sense — if love feels conditional or unreliable, a child learns to value the tangible things that feel more predictable.

Social comparison is another powerful cause. When you constantly see what others have, especially through social media, it fuels the belief that you need more to keep up. The Social Comparison Theory explains that humans naturally evaluate themselves against others. Materialism grows when that comparison focuses heavily on possessions.

Cultural messages also matter. Advertisements and media often link products to happiness, success, and attractiveness. Over time, these messages shape what people consider important in life.

What Are the Effects of Materialism on Mental Health?

The effects of materialism on mental health are well documented and mostly negative. A 2014 meta-analysis published in Psychological Bulletin analyzed over 150 studies and found a consistent link between materialistic values and lower life satisfaction, more anxiety, and more depression.

One reason is that materialistic goals often crowd out other needs. When you spend your time and energy chasing money and things, you have less left for relationships, hobbies, and personal growth. These are the very things that research shows actually boost well-being.

Materialism also feeds into a cycle of dissatisfaction. You buy something expecting it to make you happy. When it does not, you blame yourself for not buying the right thing. So you try again with a bigger purchase. This pattern can lead to financial stress, guilt, and shame. The National Institute of Mental Health does not list materialism as a disorder, but the behaviors connected to it often overlap with anxiety and compulsive disorders.

There is one nuance worth noting. Some studies suggest that materialism itself may not be the problem. The problem is having materialistic goals while also feeling like you cannot reach them. People who are wealthy and materialistic sometimes report decent well-being. But for most people, the gap between what they want and what they have creates real distress.

Can Materialism Ever Be Positive?

This is a debated question in psychology. Some researchers argue that a moderate level of materialism can be motivating. Wanting financial security or a comfortable home is not necessarily harmful. It becomes harmful when possessions become the main measure of a life well lived.

Evidence indicates that the context matters. For someone living in poverty, striving for more resources may be a practical survival strategy. The problem arises when the striving continues even after basic needs are met. A study from the Journal of Happiness Studies found that people who valued money for security and autonomy reported better outcomes than those who valued money for status and approval.

So the honest answer is that materialism sits on a spectrum. On one end, it can provide motivation and security. On the other end, it can become a trap that damages relationships and mental health. The key difference seems to be why you want things. If you want them to feel complete or to prove your worth, the effects are likely negative. If you want them to support a meaningful life, the effects are more neutral.

What Does the Research Say About Reducing Materialism?

Research on reducing materialism is still growing, but some strategies show promise. One approach is to practice gratitude. A 2015 study in the Journal of Positive Psychology found that people who kept a gratitude journal for just two weeks reported lower materialistic values afterward. Gratitude shifts focus from what you lack to what you already have.

Another strategy is to limit exposure to advertising and social media. The less you see curated images of other people’s possessions, the less you compare yourself. Some people report significant relief after unfollowing accounts that trigger envy or comparison.

Experiential purchases also help. Research consistently shows that spending money on experiences — like travel, concerts, or classes — brings more lasting happiness than buying things. Experiences become part of your identity in a way that objects rarely do. You remember them and share them with others, which strengthens relationships.

Mindfulness meditation also shows benefits. A study from Psychology & Marketing found that people who practiced mindfulness were less likely to make impulsive purchases and felt less attachment to their possessions. Mindfulness helps you notice the urge to buy without acting on it automatically.

What Are Common Misconceptions About Materialism?

One common misconception is that materialism is the same as being ambitious or wanting a comfortable life. It is not. Ambition is about achieving goals. Materialism is about using possessions to fill an emotional hole. You can be ambitious and non-materialistic, and you can be materialistic without being particularly ambitious.

Another misconception is that materialistic people are just shallow or greedy. While that can be true in some cases, psychologists understand materialism as a coping mechanism. People often develop materialistic values because they feel insecure, anxious, or unloved. Judging them rarely helps. Understanding the root cause is more useful.

Some people also believe that having more money will solve the unhappiness caused by materialism. This is widely claimed, but strong evidence is limited. Research from Princeton University found that income does boost happiness up to about $75,000 a year. After that, more money has very little effect on daily emotional well-being. The problem is not the money itself. It is the belief that the next purchase will finally be the one that makes you happy.

As of 2026, there is no clinical evidence that materialism is a formal disorder. It is not listed in the DSM-5. But it is a well-studied value orientation that has real consequences for mental health. If you feel that materialistic urges are controlling your life or causing distress, talking to a therapist can help. A therapist can work with you on the underlying insecurities that drive the behavior.

What to Avoid When Trying to Address Materialism

If you want to reduce materialism in your own life, there are a few traps to avoid. First, do not try to go cold turkey and give up all possessions or shopping. That approach rarely works and often leads to binge buying later. Gradual change is more sustainable.

Second, avoid replacing one compulsive behavior with another. Some people try to fix materialism by becoming extreme minimalists. While minimalism can be healthy, it can also become its own form of identity attachment — where you define yourself by how little you own instead of what you have. The goal is not to own nothing. The goal is to have a healthier relationship with what you own.

Third, do not shame yourself for wanting things. Wanting is a normal human experience. The problem is not the wanting itself. It is what happens when wanting takes over and crowds out everything else. Self-compassion is more effective than self-criticism for making lasting change.

• Do not attempt extreme deprivation — it backfires
• Do not replace materialism with another rigid identity like extreme minimalism
• Do not shame yourself for normal desires
• Do not expect quick fixes — changing values takes time
• Do not ignore underlying emotional needs like loneliness or insecurity