The problematic role of materialistic values in the pursuit of sustainable well-being

Strong materialistic values help to maintain consumer capitalism, but they can have negative consequences for individual well-being, for social equity and for environmental sustainability. In this paper, we add to the existing literature on the adverse consequences of materialistic values by highlighting their negative association with engagement in attitudes and actions that support the achievement of sustainable well-being. To do this, we explore the links between materialistic values and attitudes towards sufficiency (consuming “just enough”) as well as mindfulness (non-judgmental awareness of the present moment) and flow (total immersion in an activity), which have all been linked to increased well-being and more sustainable behaviours. We present results from three correlational studies that examine the association between materialistic values and sufficiency attitudes (Study 1, n = 310), a multi-faceted measure of mindfulness (Study 2, n = 468) and the tendency to experience flow (Study 3, n = 2000). Results show that materialistic values were negatively associated with sufficiency attitudes, mindfulness, and flow experiences. We conclude with practical considerations and suggest next steps for tackling the problematic aspects of materialism and encouraging the development of sustainable well-being

Reducing meat consumption at work and at home : facilitators and barriers that influence contextual spillover

This study contributes to conflicting knowledge on contextual spillover effects from the workplace to the home setting (i.e. knock-on effects of one behaviour to another). A social marketing intervention was staged in a canteen in which red meat meals were replaced with white meat and plant-based alternatives, together with an information campaign. Thirteen employees were interviewed twice (pre- and post-intervention totalling 26 interviews). The findings indicated a two-way pathway framework (for positive and lack of spillover) which is supported by a range of factors. The findings allowed the grouping of factors into facilitators and barriers of contextual spillover and a three-dimensional typology. Overall, the findings showed that a social marketing intervention in a workplace can lead to sustainable food consumption at home. These effects are influenced by barriers and facilitators which can lead to the manifestation of other types of behaviour or a lack thereof. Resulting practical implications are discussed