Fact or fable: Increased wellbeing in voluntary simplicity

Authors

  • Stacey Ann Rich La Trobe University
  • Sharon Hanna La Trobe University
  • Bradley J. Wright La Trobe University
  • Pauleen C. Bennett La Trobe University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v7i2.589

Keywords:

voluntary simplicity, wellbeing, review, low consumption lifestyle

Abstract

The value of a simple life has been espoused by writers and thinkers throughout time. In the modern era, it has been proposed as an antidote to modern stressors and as a path to wellbeing. The simple life — or voluntary simplicity as it has become known — is a lifestyle whose hallmark is reduced consumption. Personal growth and ecologically responsible behaviours are also integral components. If voluntary simplicity is a path to increased wellbeing, then society stands to benefit if the lifestyle becomes more widely adopted. This review asks the question, is there empirical evidence for an association between voluntary simplicity and improved wellbeing? Using a systematic approach, peer-reviewed literature regarding the wellbeing outcomes of simplifiers was located, resulting in four studies containing a total of 3,233 participants. A comparison of the four studies is given and the strengths and limitations of the present state of research in the area offered. It is concluded that the putative association between voluntary simplicity and improved wellbeing does exist, although important questions remain to be resolved by future research.

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Author Biographies

Stacey Ann Rich, La Trobe University

Ph.D Candidate

Department of Psychology and Counselling

Sharon Hanna, La Trobe University

Ph.D
Department of Psychology and Counselling

Bradley J. Wright, La Trobe University

Ph.D

Department of Psychology and Counselling

Pauleen C. Bennett, La Trobe University

Ph.D

Department of Psychology and Counselling

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Published

2017-11-25

Issue

Section

Articles