An Olive Branch: Materialism, Life Satisfaction and Self-esteem 6 3

Abstract

The present research aims to examine the relationship between materialism, self-esteem and life satisfaction among 17-21 year old undergraduates (75 female, 30 males) pursuing non-commerce courses from Delhi University. The research was divided into two studies. In Study 1, relationship between materialism, self-esteem and life satisfaction was examined by administering Richins and Dawson’s Material Values Scale (Short form), Rosenberg’s Self-esteem Scale and Deiner’s Satisfaction With Life Scale on 105 undergraduates from Delhi University selected using convenience sampling. Statistical analysis using Pearson’s correlation technique demonstrated a significant negative relationship between Materialism and Life Satisfaction and a significant positive relationship between Self-esteem and Life Satisfaction. In Study 2, a one hour intervention session was conducted on convenience sample of 8 females from Study 1 to prime self-esteem. The instruments used in the first study were re-administered following the intervention session. The analysis of the intervention session is still underway and will not be discussed in this paper