Objects can play a critical role in supporting well-being, as they provide basic physiological needs essential for survival, such as food and shelter. Such objects are required to maintain a general sense of wellness. 

Syracuse University

Research shows that a pathological attachment to material possessions is often correlated with reduced well-being. Public polling shows that 55% of Americans experience distress due to clutter in their home. Studies investigating both clinical object attachment (hording, compulsive buying) and subclinical object attachment (personal value of material possessions) have shown correlations between the psychological needs objects fulfill and a negative effect on overall well-being. 

The relationship between object attachment and well-being

Keefer, L. A., & Rothschild, Z. K. (2021). Attachment anxiety mitigates the well-being costs of object attachment. Journal of Individual Differences, 42(1), 41–56. https://doi-org.libezproxy2.syr.edu/10.1027/1614-0001/a000328

Attachment anxiety mitigates the well-being costs of object attachment

Individualistic individuals see objects as a means of expressing themselves, through possessions gain a sense of self-concept and seek to establish a clear identity through a reflection of their belongings. Moreover, individuals often depict their ego ideals through certain objects, for example, an expensive car, which can represent an ideal self-image. It is commonly argued that material objects give the individual the ability to create personal and social significance. 

Psychological role of objects

Relation between objects and physiological needs

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) seeks to reduce the severity of attachment the individual feels towards their specific object by targeting and challenging maladaptive, dysfunctional beliefs, in addition to adapting non-acquiring and discarding exposure activities. Research has shown this form of intervention has helped reduce extreme object attachment behaviors in approximately 27% of individuals experiencing clinically significant hoarding symptoms. 

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