Pathways from spending self-control to life satisfaction: the roles of consumer minimalism, mindfulness, and financial well-being

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Marketing Analytics

Abstract

Life satisfaction is shaped by financial circumstances and consumption-related dispositions, yet dimensionally differentiated consumer minimalism remains underexamined. Drawing on self-control and consumer self-regulation perspectives, this study examines the relationships among spending self-control, mindfulness, three dimensions of consumer minimalism, financial well-being (FWB), and life satisfaction within an integrated model. Data from 521 respondents in Türkiye were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Spending self-control is positively associated with mindfulness and all three minimalism dimensions. FWB and mindfulness are positively associated with life satisfaction, with FWB showing the stronger association. The minimalism dimensions diverge in their relationships with FWB: the association is positive for mindfully curated consumption, negative for reduced ownership, and nonsignificant for sparse aesthetics. These dimension-specific findings suggest that consumer minimalism should not be treated as a uniform construct when examining its relationship with FWB. The study also responds to the call for research on the antecedents of consumer minimalism by identifying spending self-control as a relevant correlate of its three dimensions. Furthermore, by integrating consumption-related and psychological pathways, the study shows that the link between spending self-control and life satisfaction is more multifaceted than previously modeled.

Research Highlights

  • Core Objective: The study examines the relationships among spending self-control, mindfulness, three dimensions of consumer minimalism, financial well-being, and life satisfaction within an integrated model.

  • Methodology & Corpus: The study analyzed data from a sample size of 521 adult respondents in Türkiye. The sample demographic was 69.5% female and 30.5% male with a mean age of 33 years. Data collection occurred via a cross-sectional online survey from December 1-15, 2024. The researchers utilized Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling to evaluate the structural model.

  • Consolidated Findings: Consumer spending self-control is positively associated with mindfulness (p < 0.001) and all three dimensions of consumer minimalism (p < 0.001); financial well-being (p < 0.001) and mindfulness (p < 0.01) are both positively associated with life satisfaction; the dimensions of consumer minimalism relate to financial well-being differently, as mindfully curated consumption has a positive association (p < 0.001), reduced ownership shows a negative association (p < 0.01), and sparse aesthetics demonstrates a nonsignificant relationship.

  • Practical Implications: Financial well-being programs should shift from quantity-reduction messaging to decision-quality frameworks that emphasize mindful purchasing. Policymakers and marketers must account for the multidimensional nature of consumer minimalism by distinguishing voluntary minimalists from individuals facing economic constraints.

DOI

10.1057/s41270-026-00561-4

Publication Date

10-2026

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