Dr. Klontz and Dr. Sonya Britt have published a study called “Money Beliefs and Financial Behaviours: Development of the "Klontz Money Script Inventory” . In the study, a sample of 422 individuals indicated their level of agreement on 72 money-related beliefs revealing four distinct money belief patterns.
Dr. Klontz’s calls these four distinct money belief patterns, “money scripts.” The scripts are intended to be used by psychologists to assess whether a client’s attitude may interfere with their ability to accomplish their financial goals.
The four scripts are discussed briefly below:
Money Avoidance
The study describes money avoiders as people who “believe that money is bad or that they do not deserve money. For the money avoider, money is often seen as a force that stirs up fear, anxiety, or disgust. People with money avoider scripts may be worried about abusing credit cards or over-drafting their checking account; they may self-sabotage their financial success, may avoid spending money on even reasonable or necessary purchases, or may unconsciously spend or give money away in an effort to have as little as possible in their control.”
The study found that people in the money avoidance category typically have low incomes and low net worth and this group would typically include people between the ages of 18 and 30.
It may be because the demographic group for this script is not my client demographic, but I have not seen this type of behaviour exhibited.
Money Worship
Dr. Klontz states that the most common belief among Americans is that “more money will make things better.” The study says “Individuals who subscribe to this notion believe that an increase in income and/or financial windfall would solve their problems. However, there is a paucity of empirical evidence to suggest that more money solves life problems.” The study goes on to say that “Furthermore, after an initial period of excitement, financial windfalls do not have a lasting positive impact on mood. For example, research has shown that while lottery winners feel good about winning, they are not significantly happier than non-winners, and even report experiencing less pleasure in ordinary activities than non-winners (Brickman, Coates, & Janoff-Bulman, 1978).”
The study cites various other studies that reflect minimal evidence suggesting there is a relationship between wealth and happiness, yet most people feel that their life problems would dissipate if they had more money.
The study suggests that money worshipers are typically young, single with lower levels of income and net worth with the tendency to not pay credit card debt in full each month.
In my experience, money worship is not only an issue with the young and single, but with all demographics. However, I must agree with the assertion that having money does not guarantee happiness, although in many cases, at least on the surface, it clearly does.
Money Status
The study says money is status scripts are “concerned with the association between self-worth and net-worth. These scripts can lock individuals into the competitive stance of acquiring more than those around them. Individuals who believe that money is status see a clear distinction between socio-economic classes.”
Personally, I most often observe money worship in higher income groups; as for many in this peer group, success and wealth is paramount.
Money Vigilance
Dr. Klontz has stated in the past that “For many people, money is a deep source of shame and secrecy, whether one has a lot or a little.” The study notes that money vigilance “appears to be linked to alertness, watchfulness, and concern about money, and the sense that one must be heedful of pending trouble or danger.”
I am not sure I can say I have run across this script, however, I have definitely met many people who are secretive about their wealth to ensure they are not viewed differently by their friends and family. Maybe this is partly shame; however, I am not qualified to say.
It is very interesting to note that Dr. Klontz in the New York Times article said “the four money scripts illustrate problems that have less to do with money than with what money represents.”
The blogs posted on The Blunt Bean Counter provide
information of a general nature. These posts should not be considered specific advice;
as each reader's personal financial situation is unique and fact specific.
Please contact a professional advisor prior to implementing or acting upon any
of the information contained in one of the blogs.
No comments:
Post a Comment