Materialism, Subjective Well-being, and Entitlement

Journal of Social Research & Policy, Volume: 4, Issue: 2, pp. 79-91

Date: December 2013

ISSN: 2067-2640 (print), 2068-9861 (electronic)

Abstract: The present article examines interrelationships between materialism, subjective well-being, and entitlement. Three entitlement attitudes (active, passive, and revengeful) are examined as possible outcomes of materialism, whereas subjective well-being (SWB) is regarded as a potential mediator and moderator of this relationship. The study analyzed data from a sample of Polish citizens (N = 534). Active entitlement, which is defined as a focus on self-interest and self-promotion, was positively correlated with materialism and SWB. Passive entitlement, or belief in the world as a net of obligations with a focus on group interest, was positively related to materialism only among individuals with a low level of SWB. Revengeful entitlement, defined as difficulties in forgiving insults, was negatively related to SWB and positively to materialism. Results are discussed in the context of the research literature on materialism and subjective well-being.

Keywords: Materialism; Subjective Well-being; Entitlement