Materialism Test
I measure my success by comparing my belongings to what other people have.
My ideal lifestyle would include plenty of luxurious items and experiences.
Even close friends find it hard to borrow my personal items.
Purchasing new items lifts my spirits, even when they're not necessities.
I prefer to live with minimal possessions and keep things straightforward.
Owning specific items I currently lack would improve my quality of life.
I'm seldom content with what I own and always seek to acquire more.
I look up to individuals who have high-end homes, vehicles, and wardrobes.
Not being able to purchase a desirable new product leaves me feeling frustrated.
Acquiring material goods ranks among life's significant accomplishments.
Shopping and buying things bring me genuine happiness.
I take pleasure in letting others use or enjoy my belongings.
I feel accomplished when others notice and admire my possessions, such as my attire or gadgets.
Having the financial means to purchase additional items would increase my happiness.
Losing something, even if it's not valuable, deeply upsets me.
I get satisfaction from spending on non-essential or indulgent purchases.
My vision of the future frequently includes the material items I hope to obtain.
Seeing others with more impressive possessions triggers feelings of envy in me.
I don't view the quantity of someone's possessions as a reliable indicator of their success.
I enjoy owning items that make a positive impression on others.
20 questions remaining
What to Know
Psychologically speaking, materialism is the focus on getting and owning material goods and luxuries. People often see these things as a way to measure their worth and success, even if it means ignoring moral, psychological, and social issues.
- Context is important because it can also make sense and be useful to value one's things. If you grew up with not enough of something, you might not take things for granted. That's okay.
- Collecting is different from materialism because it can be a mentally healthy habit that makes people happy and gives them new experiences.
- Materialism can be affected by where you live and what culture you belong to. Studies show that local signs of wealth, like more financial growth or a higher median per-capita income, can change people's materialistic values, how likely they are to buy things on impulse, and how much they save.
- Having very materialistic values can lead to problems like compulsive spending and more debt, as well as social anxiety, depression, and low levels of psychological satisfaction.
Change Now
Limit how much you use social media. Studies show that it can make you compare yourself to others and want to show off your money and things.
Be thankful: Try to be thankful for what you have and the people in your life.
Get a therapist: A mental health professional can help you figure out what you believe in and how to change your habits.
