A mechanism model of the effect of hedonic product consumption on well‐being

Abstract In response to recent calls for research into activities that may increase happiness, this study uses longitudinal data to investigate changes in within‐subject, instead of between‐subject, well‐being. In the context of hedonic product consumption, this study reveals a mechanism by which consumption influences well‐being through the mediating effect of satisfaction with associated life domains. Four years of data from a large national panel survey show that consuming hedonic products has indirect effects on well‐being, by improving consumers' satisfaction within relevant life domains. High hedonic consumption improves satisfaction with relevant life domains, primarily through more frequent consumption of low‐cost hedonic products rather than less frequent consumption of high‐cost hedonic products.