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Psychological Benefits of the “Maker” or Do-It-Yourself Movement in Young Adults: A Pathway Towards Subjective Well-Being

Author

Listed:
  • Ann Futterman Collier

    (Northern Arizona University)

  • Heidi A. Wayment

    (Northern Arizona University)

Abstract

Over the past several decades, increasing numbers of people have become involved in the do-it-yourself (DIY) or “Maker” movement, i.e., creating a wide range of products from home improvement to self-service to crafts. Little is known about the psychological benefits of these actions; there is an assumption that involvement ultimately increases quality of life. We surveyed 465 college students to describe their participation in a variety of Maker undertakings ranging from domestic arts, arts and crafts, to DIY activities, and examined four potential mediators of the relationship between a Maker identity and SWB. We inquired about the time spent engaged in the activities, reasons for involvement, as well as the immediate and long-term benefits received from Making. We found that college students spent approximately 3 h a week involved in Maker activities and that they most often engaged in domestic arts (e.g., cooking, baking, and gardening). The most important reasons provided for involvement in Maker activities were mood-repair, socializing with friends, and the ability to “stay present-focused.” Having a Maker identity was associated with subjective well-being (SWB), primarily explained by high arousal (i.e., exciting or stimulating) during Maker activities, but not positive mood. Trait rumination and reduced self-focus, or quiet ego, were also related to SWB and suggest the importance of reduced self-focus in understanding the relationship between Making and SWB. Taken together, it appears that Maker identity may be a potential pathway towards SWB.

Suggested Citation

  • Ann Futterman Collier & Heidi A. Wayment, 2018. "Psychological Benefits of the “Maker” or Do-It-Yourself Movement in Young Adults: A Pathway Towards Subjective Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 1217-1239, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:19:y:2018:i:4:d:10.1007_s10902-017-9866-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-017-9866-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Marco Wolf & Shaun McQuitty, 2011. "Understanding the do-it-yourself consumer: DIY motivations and outcomes," AMS Review, Springer;Academy of Marketing Science, vol. 1(3), pages 154-170, December.
    2. Melıkşah Demır & Lesley Weitekamp, 2007. "I am so Happy ’Cause Today I Found My Friend: Friendship and Personality as Predictors of Happiness," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 8(2), pages 181-211, June.
    3. Heidi Wayment & Jack Bauer & Kateryna Sylaska, 2015. "The Quiet Ego Scale: Measuring the Compassionate Self-Identity," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 16(4), pages 999-1033, August.
    4. Melikşah Demir & Lesley Weitekamp, 2007. "I am so Happy `cause Today I found my Friend: Friendship and Personality as Predictors of Happiness," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 8(2), pages 213-213, June.
    5. Amy Collins & Natalia Sarkisian & Ellen Winner, 2009. "Flow and Happiness in Later Life: An Investigation into the Role of Daily and Weekly Flow Experiences," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 10(6), pages 703-719, December.
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    1. Mulhuijzen, Max & de Jong, Jeroen P.J., 2023. "The rich or the poor? Personal resources, do-it-yourself, and innovation in the household sector," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(3).

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