The Safety of (status) Objects: An Investigation of how Status Consumption Buffers Existential insecurity in Materialistic Consumers

This project contributes to the literature on the consequences of materialism. In particular, two studies are reported that suggest that materialistic consumers buffer their existential insecurity through the consumption of status goods. However, only few people are able to afford status consumption on a day-to-day basis. Moreover, Study 2 suggests that consumption of low-status goods could elevate existential concerns in materialists. In turn, consumption of status goods can elevate existential concerns in low-materialism consumers. These findings advance our understanding of the impact of consumption on psychological well-being and have thus implications for social marketers and policy makers.