People often form emotional connections with objects, such as books, treating them like old friends and collecting them for sentimental value. Moving to a new place often reveals the accumulation of belongings, leading to a realization of the volume of possessions. Books hold a special place as some individuals may have strong reactions towards certain books, even intentionally damaging them to express dislike. This highlights the idea that objects hold more than just physical value, often carrying sentimental meanings. The emotional attachment to objects can be profound, prompting individuals to share stories about favorite objects and their significance. Additionally, the concept of objects being contaminated by their owners is raised, questioning the desire for an object previously owned by someone controversial. Overall, the emotional connection with objects goes beyond their physical attributes and can evoke strong feelings and memories.
Where does sentimental value come from? Why did Angela throw out her childhood journals? And would Mike wear Hitler’s sweater?
- SOURCES:
- Jeffrey Galak, professor of marketing at Carnegie Mellon University.
- John Irving, author.
- Marie Kondo, professional organizer and consultant.
- Paul Rozin, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Yang Yang, research scientist at the Institute of Behavioral Research at Texas Christian University.
- RESOURCES:
- "Experiences Endure," by Angela Duckworth (Character Lab, 2022).
- "Study Finds That THESE Are the Most Valued Family Heirlooms," by SWNS Staff (SWNS, 2021).
- "Micro Wave: How 'Bout Dem Apple...Seeds," by Thomas Lu, Madeline K. Sofia, and Brit Hanson (Short Wave, 2021).
- "Sentimental Value and Its Influence on Hedonic Adaptation," by Yang Yang and Jeffrey Galak (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 2015)
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, by Marie Kondo (2010).
- "A Real-Life Version of the Hitler’s Sweater Experiment," by David Berreby (Big Think, 2010).
- "The Makings of the Magical Mind: The Nature and Function of Sympathetic Magical Thinking," by Carol Nemeroff and Paul Rozin (Imagining the Impossible: Magical, Scientific, and Religious Thinking in Children, 2000).
- "Operation of the Laws of Sympathetic Magic in Disgust and Other Domains," by Paul Rozin, Linda Millman, and Carol Nemeroff (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1986).