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Publications
  • February 2021
  • Article
  • Journal of Consumer Research

I Own, So I Help Out: How Psychological Ownership Increases Prosocial Behavior

By: Ata Jami, Maryam Kouchaki and Francesca Gino
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Abstract

This article explores the consequences of psychological ownership going beyond the specific relationship with the possession to guide behavior in unrelated situations. Across seven studies, we find that psychological ownership leads to a boost in self-esteem, which encourages individuals to be more altruistic. In addition, we show that the effect of psychological ownership on prosocial behavior is not driven by self-efficacy, perceived power, reciprocity, feeling well-off, or affect. Examining materialism and mine-me sensitivity as individual differences moderating the effect of psychological ownership on prosocial behavior, we find that the effect does not hold for individuals low on materialism or mine-me sensitivity. Finally, we attenuate the effect of psychological ownership on prosocial tendencies by making the negative attributes of one’s possessions relevant.

Keywords

Psychological Ownership; Prosocial Behavior; Altruism; Self-Esteem; Materialism; Behavior; Attitudes

Citation

Jami, Ata, Maryam Kouchaki, and Francesca Gino. "I Own, So I Help Out: How Psychological Ownership Increases Prosocial Behavior." Journal of Consumer Research 47, no. 5 (February 2021): 698–715.
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About The Author

Francesca Gino

Negotiation, Organizations & Markets
→More Publications

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More from the Authors
  • Giving-by-proxy Triggers Subsequent Charitable Behavior By: Samantha Kassirer, Jillian J. Jordan and Maryam Kouchaki
  • Mellody Hobson at Ariel Investments By: Lakshmi Ramarajan and Francesca Gino
  • Ed Catmull: Lessons from Leading Pixar Animation Studios By: Francesca Gino, Linda Hill, Gary Pisano and Ruth Page
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