The endowment effect is when we value items more highly from the moment we own them. In a demonstration, students were given a choice between a coffee mug or a Swiss chocolate bar for participating in research. Half chose the coffee mug and the other half the chocolate. Then they were both given a chance to swop.  Most preferred the reward they started out with. This shows how quickly we form connections between our sense of self and the things we consider ours.

The endowment effect

In an experiment, psychologists used an illusion to convince young children they built a copying machine that could replicate anything, such as their favourite toy. Most of the children favoured their original toy and many were horrified with the idea of taking home a copy. This thinking about objects stays with us into adulthood. Many of us are reluctant to part with family heirlooms which help us feel connected to loved ones.

Attachment to family heirlooms

Hazda people of northern Tanzania are isolated from modern culture and don't show the endowment effect. That is possible because they live in an egalitarian society where they share almost everything.

Culture plays a part in feelings of ownership

Sometimes people have a hoarding disorder  - that is, an exaggerated sense of responsibility and protectiveness toward one's belongings. However, it remains to be seen how the nature of our relationship with our possessions will change with digital technologies.

Attachment to things can go too far

View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/why-are-we-so-attached-to-our-things-christian-jarrett After witnessing the “violent rage” shown by babies whenever deprived of an item they considered their own, Jean Piaget – a founding father of child psychology – observed something profound about human nature: Our sense of ownership emerges incredibly early. But why do we become so attached to things? Christian Jarrett details the psychology of ownership. Lesson by Christian Jarrett, animation by Avi Ofer.

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View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/why-are-we-so-attached-to-our-things-christian-jarrett 

After witnessing the “violent rage” shown by babies whenever deprived of an item they considered their own, Jean Piaget – a founding father of child psychology – observed something profound about human nature: Our sense of ownership emerges incredibly early. But why do we become so attached to things? Christian Jarrett details the psychology of ownership.

Lesson by Christian Jarrett, animation by Avi Ofer.

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Why are we so attached to our things? - Christian Jarrett

The endowment effect

Attachment to family heirlooms

Culture plays a part in feelings of ownership

Attachment to things can go too far

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