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An Exploratory Look at the Relationship Between Materialistic Values and Goals and Type A Behaviour

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  23 February 2012

Shaun A. Saunders*
Affiliation:
University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia. sasaunders@bigpond.com
Michael W. Allen
Affiliation:
University of Sydney, Australia.
Kay Pozzebon
Affiliation:
University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia.
*
*Address for correspondence: S.A. Saunders, P.O. Box 382 The Junction, N.S.W. 2291, Australia.

Abstract

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Previous research in Australia has inferred that materialism and its possession-defined ‘Success’ subtheme described by Richins and Dawson (1992) has characteristics in common with specific Type A behaviour including competitiveness and aggression. Given that Australian materialists appear to have similar inclinations to their North American counterparts, assumptions by the latter that materialism and Type A behaviour fall under the same cultural value of work and wealth might also be applicable in Australia. Hence, the present study aims to explore the relationship between materialism and Type A behaviour, with psychometric measures of each administered to 193 Australian participants. Scores on Materialism were positively correlated with Type A behaviours, while the Success subscale was only significantly correlated with the second Type A item, assessing competitiveness. However, while materialistic pursuits might provide a culturally sanctioned outlet for competitive behaviours deriving from existing Type A personalities, it could also be argued that contemporary consumer society encourages such behaviours.

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Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008