The more satisfied we are with our lives, the wiser we spend money and the more thoroughly we approach shopping. This conclusion was made by Australian scientists.
The happier we feel, the smarter we spend money, the longer we think about each purchase, and the less prone to risky financial decisions. Economists from the University of Victoria (Australia) came to this conclusion after analyzing the socio-economic data of 25 men and women*. Active consumption is by no means a sign of well-being. On the contrary, a bad mood often pushes us to shopping: it seems that by acquiring something pleasant, it can be overcome. There is an illusion of control over the world and one’s life… For a moment, the mood really improves, but this illusion draws us into a vicious circle of pointless purchases and expenses, which we later have to regret.
* Journal of Economic Psychology, 2012, vol. 33, № 4.