The starting point of this field of research is the idea (originally conceived by the economist Tibor Scitovsky and psychologists Deci and Ryan) that there are two forms of satisfaction in consumption, those deriving from comfort-activities that ease and free life from pain and bother, and those which yield stimulation and are self-rewarding. These are the creative activities that provide most of life’s pleasure. This second form of consumption also has deep and cumulative effects, since it gives rise to new activities and novelty. However, it is also more immediately costly since it requires, in order to be appreciated, training and skills. Comfort instead has more transitory effects, and tends to induce repetition and social competition, though it does require less costly investments in appreciation skills.
How people choose between these two forms of consumption is worth researching because both individuals’ economic circumstances, and their extra-economic motivations, such as their personal and social identity, come into play. Both psychology and sociology can contribute to this understanding.
A related research field is the problem of decision and performance on the job. Extra-economic motivations play a significant role here too. Psychologists have shown that activities for which the more challenging components of novelty and stimulation dominate repetition and routines are more rewarding for workers.