Stress Affluence and Sustainable Consumption

<p>Why do affluent consumers almost automatically acquire new versions or variations of products already at their disposal? Even though most of us know that this novelty consumption poses a serious threat to an environmentally and socially sustainable future we continue to do it. Why? </p><p>Research shows that consumption of new automobiles clothing furniture electronics home furnishing household apparel mobile phones etc. is motivated by a desire to feel more secure less anxious and better mood-wise. Affluent consumers seem to engage in novelty consumption not to feel better but rather to avoid feeling bad. <i>Stress Affluence and Sustainable Consumption</i> discusses sustainable consumption from a stress perspective adding an embodied understanding to the sustainability-related consumption challenges that we face today.</p><p>A stress perspective on affluent consumption differs from current understandings on consumption as it fully acknowledges the consumer as having a body (including a mind) that reacts to the numerous product offerings and retail spaces both physical and online. A stress perspective can explain how our bodies try to cope with an overload of perceptual input provided by advertising messages product launches and even store structures. </p><p>This book will be of great interest to students and researchers of consumer psychology sustainable consumption studies sustainable marketing and markets as well as sustainable development more generally.</p>