Trapped by Sense of Comfort: Leisure Time Consumption Habits from the Aspect of Economic Psychology

Abstract

In neoclassical economics, it is the conscious, rational decision-maker who plays a key role, while the motivational processes influencing him are not perceived by mainstream economics. However, Tibor Scitovsky’s (1992) classic work of behaviour economics, ‘The Joyless Economy’, is just about the economic-psychological significance of the intensity and direction of such motivational processes.

 In addition to the profound analysis of the motivational processes reducing tension caused by stimuli and urges, Tibor Scitovsky also emphasizes that under given circumstances even the increase of tension could play a role in motivation. His concept of the latter can, to a great extent, contribute to a deeper understanding of motivation behind leisure-time activities. Furthermore, we shall also analyse those aspects of Tibor Scitovsky’s work in which he unveils the economic-psychological concepts of comfort zone and novelty attraction, the development of a consumer’s leisure habits over time and the components of a consumer’s satisfaction and his subjective well-being.

 Our chapter will demonstrate that Scitovsky’s work, written nearly forty years ago, is more relevant than ever and that it can still be inspiring for both theorists and practitioners of leisure habits and consumer behaviour.