The IKEA Effect and Personal Attachment

The IKEA effect describes the psychological phenomenon where individuals place a higher value on items they have assembled or created themselves, compared to identical items made by others. This concept was initially investigated through experiments involving origami, where participants who attempted to make their own cranes valued them significantly more than individuals who viewed expertly made cranes. Such a bias demonstrates how personal investment enhances attachment, leading to an inflated perception of value for handmade or self-assembled objects. The heartfelt example of individuals holding onto poorly made items embodies the emotional connection that emerges from effort and creativity.