Materialistic values and well-being among Greek adolescents

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Published: Mar 24, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/psy_hps.26238
Keywords:
Adolescence Life satisfaction Materialism Self-esteem Well-being
Ekaterina N. Kornilaki
University of Crete
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1723-7453
Abstract
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.
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Author Biography
Ekaterina N. Kornilaki, University of Crete

Department of Preschool Education

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