The role of materialism and cynicism on well-being
Authors
Eksterowicz, Natalia
Issue Date
2023-05
Degree
MSc in Applied Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
Abstract
This study investigated the role of materialism and cynicism on well-being (subjective happiness, spirituality, hedonia, eudaimonia, and burnout) in Ireland. Furthermore, spirituality was measured rather than religion. A quantitative mixed correlational, cross-sectional using online survey was utilized to collect data from 103 individuals. Multiple regression revealed that more cynical participants had higher levels of depersonalization; individuals with higher levels of materialism success reported higher levels of depersonalization; emotional exhaustion decreased with age; increased levels of materialism happiness increased emotional exhaustion; and higher materialistic participants were less spiritual. Correlation analysis found that age negatively correlated with materialism happiness; spirituality positively correlated with happiness; and hedonia positively correlated with eudaimonia. Results of a one-way ANOVA found that higher spiritual participants were happier and exhibited higher levels of eudaimonia. Findings could lead to the inclusion of health programs in schools to reduce materialism, the inclusion of spirituality into health care, and fostering eudaimonia.