Investigating cognitive and ontological factors underlying the adherence to normative materialistic values and their influence on wellbeing

The results indicated that people who have a holistic, 'big picture' way of looking at the world, in combination with a complex, elaborative thinking style, place less importance on goals and aspirations associated with 'keeping up with the Joneses' and are less materialistic. These people are also motivated by meaningful, self-directed reasons rather than striving to impress others, and subsequently report greater self-esteem, self-actualization, and psychological wellbeing. The application of these findings can have a positive impact on mental health and the environment, through reducing extrinsically-motivated consumption.