Psyche So we make ourselves happy and satisfied - without a reason to treat yourself to something

Buying something without a specific reason can make you happy

Last year, a study came to the conclusion that most Germans are still happy despite all the problems in the world, the often-discussed dissatisfaction with domestic politics and a growing gap between rich and poor. But what can make people happy at all? Among other things, if you spoil yourself with a purchase without having a specific reason. This has been shown in a new study.

What can make us happy

Being healthy and happy is at the top of the list for most people when it comes to what they expect from life. Both often go hand in hand. But what makes happiness? Often it is very simple circumstances or things that can contribute to it. So some people make sport happy, others help chocolate here. In addition, a scientific study has shown that generosity makes us happier. Apparently, however, the giving, but also the gift of happiness fortunately, as scientists now report.

There are many things that can make us happy. For some they are beautiful moments, for others more material. For example, a study has shown that it also makes people happy when they buy something without a specific reason. (Image: shock / fotolia.com)

Pamper yourself with a purchase

According to new scientific findings, many consumers are happier when they pamper themselves with a purchase, without having a specific cause.

This was discovered by a team of marketing scientists led by Prof. Francine Espinoza Petersen of the ESMT (European School of Management and Technology) Berlin.

The results of the experts were published in the journal "International Journal of Research in Marketing".

Treat without a reason

According to an EMST release published by the "Science Information Service" (idw), the researchers conducted a series of studies that examined consumers' emotional responses and subsequent happiness after pampering purchases.

According to previous research, customers who have a reason to indulge in something are more satisfied after making such a purchase.

For buyers with low self-restraint, this is not the case. Instead, they are happier if they indulge themselves for no reason.

Consumers with much and little self-control

In one of the 175 subjects trials, researchers explored the presumptuous happiness of purchase, the actual happiness after purchase, and the long-term satisfaction with the product.

It showed that consumers with a high degree of self-control were happier when they had a reason to indulge themselves.

But those who had low self-restraint were happier if they had enjoyed without any rational reason.

According to the scientists, consumers with a high degree of self-control are generally more rational and disciplined, and therefore appreciate thoughtful enjoyment.

Consumers with low self-restraint, however, were rather relaxed and sought spontaneous enjoyment. (Ad)