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http://dx.doi.org/10.14695/KJSOS.2022.25.4.21

Minimalism, Social Values and Happiness  

Hong Im Shin (순천대학교 교양교육원 자유전공학부)
Publication Information
Science of Emotion and Sensibility / v.25, no.4, 2022 , pp. 21-32 More about this Journal
Abstract
Minimalism is an increasingly popular lifestyle in which people deliberately seek to live with fewer possessions. However, little scientific research has been done to examine the relationships between minimalism, social value, and happiness. Two recent studies have investigated whether critical components of minimalism, such as subtraction and decluttering could lead to changes in social values and happiness. In Study 1, the participants were presented with pictures of unstable Lego structures for which they were asked to create ideas to resolve problems, either through adding new supports or removing the existing ones. Participants with a stronger tendency to use subtractive transformations reported higher happiness scores. In addition, higher scores in intrinsic value preferences were correlated with higher levels of happiness. In Study 2, cuing minimalism or consumerism using pictures led to changes in materialistic values, motivation for social engagement, and reported happiness scores. These results imply that minimalism as an alternative lifestyle can contribute to social wellbeing and increased happiness. Limitations and implications for future studies are discussed.
Keywords
Minimalism; Materialism; Subtraction; Social Values; Happiness;
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Times Cited By KSCI : 1  (Citation Analysis)
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