Η επένδυση σε υλιστικές αξίες και η σχέση τους με το αίσθημα ευημερίας κατά την εφηβική ηλικία

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.