Materialism and life satisfaction were negatively correlated when examining the
bivariate relation between these variables, but they were positively correlated in the
structural model. Thus, it is possible that materialistic youth report higher levels of life
satisfaction because their material goods bring them happiness. The correlation between
materialism and life satisfaction may also hinge on the meaning and significance of
materialism for particular individuals. To the extent that social interactions involve objects
and activities that seem materialistic on the surface (e.g., the latest digital gizmos), such
acquisitions may provide greater social inclusion. Furthermore, if gratitude is a stand-in for
‘‘intrinsic values’’ it suggests that the relation between materialism and life satisfaction is
mostly due to the problem of conflict between materialism and such values.