Wednesday 22 July 14:05 - 15:35

Hall: 12 - Polveriera

Chair: Gasiorowska Agata

Division: Division 9: Economic Psychology

The pervasive influence of market-oriented thinking on interpersonal relationships represents one of the
most significant social transformations in contemporary society. This symposium explores the
psychological antecedents and consequences of the adoption of market mindset relational contexts, from
intimate relationships to digital platforms and investment behaviour.
While previous research has examined market relationships in isolation, this symposium uniquely
integrates individual difference factors (attachment styles, materialism), cognitive-emotional mechanisms
(Theory of Mind, empathy), and contextual moderators (control, payment models) to provide a
comprehensive understanding of when and why people shift from communal to market-oriented relational
frameworks. This multi-level approach addresses a critical gap in understanding the psychological
foundations of economic behavior in social contexts.
Raguso first lays out the basic psychological mechanisms, showing how attachment avoidance predisposes people to objectification through reduced theory of mind and empathy — the cognitive-emotional pathways
that facilitate market-oriented thinking.Gasiorowska then examines how control affects trust differently in
communal and market relationships,noting that formal control mechanisms damage communal bonds
while they are acceptable in market contexts.Kuzminska analyses how different payment models in sharing
economy platforms can either reinforce or weaken market-oriented perceptions and shows that the structure
of economic exchange influences the formation of relationships.Otterbring and Nyhus examine how
preferences for alternative financing options (cryptocurrency vs. crowdfunding)predict action or
community orientations, and show that financial decisions reflect underlying relational orientations.
Finally, Moldes Andrés examines how materialistic values selectively influence relationship quality in
different social roles,challenging assumptions about uniformly negative social effects of materialism.
This symposium addresses the pressing contemporary issues of how economic thinking intrudes into social
relationships, affecting social cohesion, trust and psychological well-being.The findings serve as a basis
for action to promote authentic human relationships in an increasingly commodified social environment
and contribute to the understanding of behavioural economics in relational contexts.
Taken together,these presentations provide a comprehensive framework for understanding market mindset
as a psychological phenomenon and as a social force, offering insights into the maintenance of communal
bonds inmarketized societies.