The relationship between materialism and anger: The mediating role of depression and anxiety

Aim: Materialism has been previously reported in the literature to reduce individual well-being and to be associated with depression and anxiety.The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between materialism and anger and to examine the possible mediating role of depression and anxiety in this relationship.Material and Methods: An online survey of 513 university students was conducted including questions about demographics and income status, the Material Values Scale (MVS), the Trait Anger and Anger Expression Style Scale (STAI), and the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS).Results: Material Values Scale (MVS) scores and the Trait Anger and Anger Expression Style Scale (STAI) scores were statistically significantly correlated.Depression and anxiety were also found to be statistically significantly associated with the MVS total score.When anxiety and depression are included in the significant relationship between the Material Values Scale (MVS) total score and "trait anger", both have been shown to play a mediating role.Discussion: This is the first study to examine the relationship between materialism and anger.Depression and anxiety seem to have a mediating role in this relationship.This relationship can be important for designing interventions that enhance individual and societal well-being.Further research is needed to better understand the relationship between materialism and anger.