Materialism as a Coping Mechanism: An Inquiry Into Family Disruption.

Burroughs, James E.; Rindfleisch, Aric

Materialism is a popular and important topic in consumer research, with the majority of researchers appearing to focus on the dark-side aspects of this issue. This study, in contrast, posits that in certain instances matenalism may play a functional role as a coping mechanism during difficult life transitions. In specific, we suggest that material objects may assist children in reducing the stress associated with parental separation or divorce. To examine this hypothesis, we conducted two empirical studies (one quantitative, one qualitative). The results of these studies suggest that materialism moderates the relationship between family disruption and family stress by helping to restore a sense of identity, permanence, and control in these children's lives. In addition to furthering a broadened conceptualization of materialism by highlighting its instrumental qualities, this paper also contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between family structure and consumption.

MATERIALISM; PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation; CONSUMER research; CHANGE (Psychology); PSYCHOLOGY of children of divorced parents; STRESS management; PSYCHOLOGY

Advances in Consumer Research, 1997, Vol 24, Issue 1, p89

0098-9258

Conference Proceeding