Materialism and Well-Being: A Conflicting Values Perspective

Tim Kasser's Home Page - Aspiration Index: "Aspiration Index

The primary focus of much of my research has distinguished between two types of goals. Extrinsic, materialistic goals (e.g., financial success, image, popularity) are those focused on attaining rewards and praise, and are usually means to some other end. Intrinsic goals (e.g., personal growth, affiliation, community feeling) are, in contrast, more focused on pursuits that are supportive of intrinsic need satisfaction."