Abstract
The aim of the study was to explore if there is a construct ‘experientialism’ which affects the choices consumers make on a daily basis. Experientialism is the degree to which individuals value experiences. This is contrasted to materialism, which is the degree to which individuals value material possessions. This study developed a scale of experientialism and tested its reliability and validity. Items were generated using qualitative data from previous studies. Two hundred and eleven participants took part in the validation study via an online survey. The study found evidence that the experientialism scale was a reliable and valid measure. Experientialism was positively correlated with sensation seeking, intrinsic motivation and openness as predicted and negatively correlated with materialism. Importantly experientialism was not significantly correlated with social desirability. A principal components analysis revealed 5 sub-scales of experientialism: experiential preference, experiential eagerness, experiential aspiration, experiential importance and experiential worth. Evidence of criterion related validity was found in experientialisms positive associated with self efficacy, self esteem and life satisfaction.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 300-301 |
| Number of pages | 2 |
| Journal | Australian Journal of Psychology |
| Volume | 59 |
| Issue number | Suppl. |
| Publication status | Published - 2007 |
| Event | Annual Conference of the Australian Psychological Society (42nd : 2007) - Brisbane Duration: 25 Sept 2007 → 29 Sept 2007 |