ABSTRACT
Given the adverse effects of materialism on consumer well-being, the present study integrates various theoretical frameworks within the life
course paradigm to assess the effects of earlier-in-life experiences on young Greek adults’ materialistic values. Findings from a sample of
285 young adults suggest that disruptive family incidents in early life affect the development of materialistic values, while peers have no
discernible influence. Disruptive family settings appear to impair socio-economic status and self-esteem, but young Greek adults with impaired
self-esteem are not more materialistic. A family communication environment that places emphasis on autonomy and individual
achievement appears to promote the importance of materialism, while a family communication setting that encourages compliance instead
of self-direction appears to deter the development of such orientations. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.