From Adversity to Materialistic Value Orientation: Parent–Child Attachment and Gender Differences in Chinese Adolescents

Abstract

Introduction

Materialistic value orientation, defined as the long-term endorsement of values, goals, and beliefs centered on the importance of acquiring money and possessions that convey status, has been associated with various negative developmental outcomes among adolescents. However, the formation of materialistic values remains insufficiently understood, and research examining the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and materialistic value orientation is limited, particularly among Chinese adolescents. This study examined the relationships among ACEs, parent–child attachment, and adolescent materialistic value orientation, and explored gender differences in these associations.

Methods

Data were drawn from a 2022–2023 survey of 11,386 Chinese high school students (mean age = 16.41; 51% boys) using multi-stage stratified sampling across eastern, central, and western China. Participants completed self-report measures of ACEs, parent–child attachment, and materialistic value orientation. Correlation analyses and one-way ANOVAs were used to examine associations among key variables, and regression-based moderated mediation analyses with follow-up simple slope tests were conducted to test the role of parent–child attachment and gender differences.

Results

Higher ACE exposure was associated with stronger materialistic value orientation among adolescents. ACEs were associated with greater attachment insecurity and poorer parent–child attachment was also related to higher materialistic value orientation. Gender differences were observed: boys reported higher overall levels of materialistic value orientation, whereas ACEs showed stronger associations with parent–child attachment and materialistic value orientation among girls.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that adverse childhood experiences are linked to adolescents' materialistic value orientation and highlight the importance of family relationships in value development. Gender-sensitive approaches may be beneficial, with attention to higher baseline materialistic value orientation among boys and greater sensitivity to family adversity among girls.