Research should also consider the role of object attachment processes
in materialism. While we believe that these are distinct, it is possible
that compensatory object attachment offers one motivation behind materialism.
This sheds new light on materialism research showing that,
e.g., children from less-nurturing households become more materialistic
(Kasser, Ryan, Zax, & Sameroff, 1995). While Winnicott (1953/
1986) suggested that the use of objects as a source of security is an
inevitable stage in development, future research must consider the
ways in which personal and cultural context influences object attachment
processes and later materialism.