Materialism and Life Satisfaction: The Role of Religion

Abstract

This study examines the role of religion and religiosity in the relationship between materialism and life satisfaction. The findings suggests that religion may be a key factor in understanding differences in findings of previous studies regarding the inverse relationship found in the vast majority of previous studies. Based on a large-scale study in Malaysia-a country comprised of several religious subcultures (mainly Muslims, Buddhists, and Hindus), the findings suggest that the influence of religiosity on materialism and life satisfaction is stronger among Malays than among Chinese and Indians, and life satisfaction partially mediates the relationship between religiosity and materialism. The paper discusses implications for theory development and further research.

Meta-analysis of the antecedent and consequent constructs of materialism

“…From the presented results, it is possible to support hypothesis H 3 and also strengthen the proposition that individuals with depression (Kasser & Ryan, 1993), isolation (Richins & Dawson, 1992) and life dissatisfaction characteristics tend to be more materialistic (Kasser, 2002;Rakrachakarn et al, 2015;Gungordu et al, 2016).…”

“…There are also relationships between materialism, high levels of depression (Kasser & Ryan, 1993), low levels of gratitude (McCullough et al, 2002) and dissatisfaction with family life (Richins & Dawson, 1992). Consolidating these findings, studies conducted recently give consistency to the assumption of a negative relationship between life satisfaction and materialism (Hudders & Pandelaere, 2012;Tsang et al, 2014;Rakrachakarn et al, 2015;Gungordu et al, 2016). Thus, we suggest that:…”

“…However, in general, it relates to aspects of health, interpersonal relationships, financial insouciance (Roberts & Clement, 2007) and even religion (Rakrachakarn et al, 2015). On the other hand, materialism is characterized as a lifestyle based on the accumulation and purchase of goods that go beyond basic needs (Kasser, 2002).…”

Psikologi Anti-Materialisme

“…Ada berbagai pengaruh eksternal maupun internal yang tidak sehat, yang mengaktivasi materialisme pada diri seseorang, seperti: rendahnya harga diri (Park & John, 2011), kecemasan akan kematian dan rasa tidak aman (insecurity) (Kasser & Sheldon, 2000;Rindfleisch & Burroughs, 2004), pengasuhan keluarga yang tidak suportif dalam membangun self-esteem yang positif, orang tua yang tidak nurturant, dan (hanya) menekankan kesuksesan finansial (Chaplin & John, 2007Kasser, Ryan, Zax, & Sameroff, 1995); stres dan konflik dalam keluarga (Flouri, 2007); penolakan teman dan pengaruh teman yang materialistis, serta perbandingan sosial dengan teman atau figur di media (Banerjee & Dittmar, 2008;Chan & Prendergast, 2007); lingkungan yang menggoda dan media yang mendorong konsumerisme (Bauer Wilkie, King, & Bodenhausen, 2012;Chan, Zhang, & Wang, 2006); rendahnya religiusitas dan kebersyukuran (Polak & McCullough, 2006;Rakrachakarn, Moschis, Ong, & Shannon, 2013).…”

“…Kelima, religiusitas (Rakrachakarn et al, 2013). Warga Melayu yang religiusitasnya lebih tinggi daripada warga etnis lain, religiusitas mereka memiliki dampak negatif yang signifikan pada materialisme dan positif pada kepuasan hidup.…”