@article{d8fcda34e2d64fddafcec6cf4a6bf233,
title = "Age differences in children's happiness from material goods and experiences: The role of memory and theory of mind",
abstract = "Adults view past experiences as making them happier than material goods, yet products and brands are highly coveted by children, even at young ages. Using a child developmental framework, we reconcile these two perspectives. Across four studies with children and adolescents of ages 3–17 years, we show that children (ages 3–12) derive more happiness from goods than from experiences, but the effect changes over time. As children age, the happiness they derive from experiences increases, to the point that older adolescents derive more happiness from experiences than from material goods, consistent with adult findings. We show that these effects are mediated by increases in two cognitive skills: memory and theory of mind, which we posit are necessary for a sufficient comprehension of experiences and their implications, which in turn facilitates their enjoyment.",
keywords = "Children, Experiences, Happiness, Materialism, Memory, Theory of mind",
author = "Chaplin, {Lan Nguyen} and Lowrey, {Tina M.} and Ruvio, {Ayalla A.} and Shrum, {L. J.} and Vohs, {Kathleen D.}",
note = "Funding Information: The authors thank the children and staff at the childcare centers and summer camps, and the owners of a martial arts studio for their participation. In addition, the authors thank Eda Anlamlier, Rick Bagozzi, Lagnajita Chatterjee, Fei Gao, Dawn Iacobucci, Deborah Roedder John, Tianyi Li, Min Liu, Brendan McKenna, the late Chris Manolis, Sibel Raif, Nicholas Sommer, and Kristin Trask for their help with the project. This research was funded by the University of Illinois at Chicago, HEC Paris Foundation, Michigan State University, Villanova School of Business, Temple University, and the University of Texas at San Antonio. The second and fourth authors also thank the Investissements d'Avenir (ANR-11-IDEX-0003/Labex Ecodec/ANR-11-LABX-0047) for supporting this research. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2020",
year = "2020",
month = sep,
doi = "10.1016/j.ijresmar.2020.01.004",
language = "English (US)",
volume = "37",
pages = "572--586",
journal = "International Journal of Research in Marketing",
issn = "0167-8116",
publisher = "Elsevier B.V.",
number = "3",
}