Locomoting toward well-being or getting entangled in a material world: Regulatory modes and affective well-being

Two studies were conducted to examine the impact of two basic self-regulatory orientations—locomotion and assessment (Higgins, Kruglanski, & Pierro, 2003)—on materialistic values. We hypothesized that, because assessment is associated with great concern over self-evaluation—particularly as it applies to social comparison and extrinsic motivation—it should promote materialistic concerns which in turn should decrease affective well-being. In contrast, owing to high levels of task involvement and intrinsic motivation, locomotion is expected to be negatively associated with materialism and well-being. In Study 1, we found that individuals in an assessment mode as opposed to a locomotion mode were more likely to rate materialistic choices as more normative. In Study 2, we found that materialism and negative motives for earning money mediate the relationship between regulatory orientations and well-being. Implications and avenues for future research are discussed.

► The impact of regulatory modes on materialistic concerns and well-being was examined.
► Assessment promotes materialism, negative motives for money and negative affect.
► Locomotion decreases materialism, negative motives for money and negative affect.
► Influence of regulatory modes on well-being was mediated by materialistic concerns.