Making Time Matter: A Review of Research on Time and Meaning

Abstract

In this conceptual article, we review three decades of research on time and meaning in consumer research and psychology to identify key themes that have emerged, build frameworks that integrate past research, and reveal areas of potential for future empirical exploration. We begin by carving out a conceptual understanding of meaning in life and identifying time as a key lens through which the pursuit of meaning can be viewed. We then review extant research on how to spend and construe time in ways that enhance meaning, relying on two frameworks—one anchored in three dimensions of meaning (purpose, mattering, and comprehension) and the other in three levels of time (momentary, day‐to‐day, and lifetime). We conclude by outlining several directions for future research focused on deepening our understanding of how consumers can think about and use their time in ways that boost their sense of meaning in life.

Together We Rise: How Social Movements Succeed

“…People seek out and interpret information in a way that is consistent with the groups or issues they believe are self‐relevant (Wood & Hayes, 2012). Thus, when people understand who they are and what they stand for (i.e., their individual identity), they are more likely to feel connected to a social movement that aligns with that identity, which in turn can enhance their sense of well‐being (Aaker et al, 2011; Gilovich, Kumar, & Jampol, 2015; Henderson & Rank‐Christman, 2016; Mogilner, 2010; Oyserman, 2019; Rudd et al, 2019). In general, people who connect their individual identity to a collective identity—establishing a shared identity and sense of belonging to a community—demonstrate greater altruism (Tajfel, 1981), increased participation in social movements (Polletta & Jasper, 2001), and stronger group engagement (Blader & Tyler, 2009).…”

“…Furthermore, discussing topics of common interest (e.g., the shared goal of the movement) makes people feel more connected to one another (Clark & Kashima, 2007). Ultimately, social connections and a collective identity enhance well‐being, help people feel that they matter, and allow them to see that their role is important (Gilovich et al, 2015; Rudd et al, 2019).…”

“…They include frustration (Jost et al, 2012); anxiety, which prompts a preference for safety or solutions that provide a sense of control over the situation (Raghunathan, Pham, & Corfman, 2006); sadness, which may prompt people to seek comfort (Raghunathan et al, 2006); and feeling excluded, which prompts rumination and causes people to lean on their emotions to process information (Lu & Sinha, 2017). Positive emotions such as those involved in prosocial behaviors also spark action by enhancing feelings of affiliation (Rudd et al, 2019) and encouraging people to volunteer time or make donations (Aaker & Akutsu, 2009; Aaker et al, 2011; Dunn, Gilbert, & Wilson, 2011). Such acts of generosity can inspire individuals to “pass it on,” acting generously toward another person because the positive feelings of warmth and admiration inspire benevolence (Van de Vyver & Abrams, 20152015; see also Mafael, 2019).…”

“…Ultimately, as a movement experiences small wins, people may feel optimism and hope, which are associated with lower rates of depression, greater feelings of self‐worth, and higher levels of competence (Gillham & Reivich, 2004; Peterson, 2000). Working within a movement to accomplish a common goal can also provide social connectedness, enhancing a sense of purpose that advances both individual and collective well‐being, and encouraging people to take action (Baker & Hill, 2013; Gilovich et al, 2015; Rudd et al, 2019; Shavitt, Jiang, & Cho, 2016).…”

“…Because research in consumer psychology focuses on how people behave, consume, and make decisions, consumer psychologists are uniquely situated to investigate the factors that motivate people to engage in social movements. Specifically, consumer psychology provides insight into the motivational, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral forces that spur people—individually and collectively—to take action as upstanders, forging the infrastructure for successful social movements (e.g., Aaker, Rudd, & Mogilner, 2011; Chaney, Sanchez, & Maimon, 2019; Griskevicius & Kenrick, 2013; Jost, 2017; Keller, Harlam, Loewenstein, & Volpp, 2011; Mathur, Block, & Yucel‐Aybat, 2014; Norton, Mochon, & Ariely, 2012; Oyserman, 2009, 2019; Pham, 2004; Rudd, Catapano, & Aaker, 2019; So et al, 2015; Touré‐Tillery & Fishbach, 2011; Wood & Hayes, 2012; Woolley & Fishbach, 2017; Wooten & Rank‐Christman, 2019; Wyer, 2011). Drawing on insights from consumer psychology and its associated disciplines, we explore the process, how and why, collective action by people and organizations build such infrastructures for social movements.…”