Materialism Values Scale

What it measures

Measures materialism as a value system characterised by the centrality of possessions to one's life and identity, the belief that possessions are central to happiness, and the use of possessions as markers of success. The most widely used materialism measure in consumer research.

Representative items

• I admire people who own expensive homes, cars, and clothes. (Success)
• The things I own say a lot about how well I'm doing in life. (Success)
• I like to own things that impress people. (Centrality)
• Buying things gives me a lot of pleasure. (Happiness)
• My life would be better if I owned certain things I don't have. (Happiness)

Citation

Richins, M.L., & Dawson, S. (1992). A consumer values orientation for materialism and its measurement: Scale development and validation. Journal of Consumer Research, 19(3), 303–316.