Shared but unhappy? Detrimental effects of using shared products on psychological ownership and consumer happiness

This study examines the negative impacts of using shared products on consumer happiness. Results of three experimental studies show that, compared with using owned products, using shared products impairs consumer happiness by triggering lower psychological ownership. This effect is stronger for consumers who are more materialistic as well as for those who are under higher perceived financial constraint. The findings entail novel implications for the sharing economy and consumer well-being.