Testing the IKEA effect

Labor alone can be sufficient to induce a greater liking for your own work. A study confirmed the phenomenon. Experiments involved assembling IKEA boxes, folding origami, and building with Lego.

• The results showed participants valued items they assembled themselves more, demonstrated by their willingness to pay to keep it.
• However, when participants spent too much time building or deconstructing their creations, or failed to complete the task, their willingness to pay for the item declined.