Beyond society's desire for a slowed‐down temporal experience: Toward a nomological network of individuals' need‐for deceleration

Abstract

This study expands on past deceleration and slow consumption research by introducing and validating a measure of need‐for‐deceleration, an individual's motivational ability to engage in activities aimed at slowing down the perceived fast passage of time. Following initial scale development, two studies establish construct validity by placing need‐for‐deceleration into a nomological network. Results indicate that the measure correlated with, but was distinct from, variables involving negative affective states, such as state anxiety and neuroticism. Need‐for‐deceleration scores were not related to materialism, but negatively correlated with self‐efficacy, life satisfaction, work‐life balance, and conscientiousness. Correlations were positive with need‐for‐uniqueness, future time orientation, and susceptibility to normative influence. Need‐for‐deceleration was also associated with regulatory focus (positively with prevention, and negatively with promotion focus). To explore criterion validity, a third study establishes associations between need‐for‐deceleration and consumer lifestyle variables. Developing and validating the scale can help researching and managing products relating to the consumption of time, wellness, mindfulness, and simplicity.