Vohs, K. D., Wang, Y., Gino, F., &Norton, M. I. (2013). Rituals enhance consumption. Psychological Science, 24(9), 1714-1721.

Four experiments tested the novel hypothesis that ritualistic behavior potentiates and enhances ensuing consumption—an effect found for chocolates, lemonade, and even carrots. Experiment 1 showed that participants who engaged in ritualized behavior, compared with those who did not, evaluated chocolate as more flavorful, valuable, and deserving of behavioral savoring. Experiment 2 demonstrated that random gestures do not boost consumption as much as ritualistic gestures do. It further showed that a delay between a ritual and the opportunity to consume heightens enjoyment, which attests to the idea that ritual behavior stimulates goal-directed action (to consume). Experiment 3 found that performing a ritual oneself enhances consumption more than watching someone else perform the same ritual, suggesting that personal involvement is crucial for the benefits of rituals to emerge. Finally, Experiment 4 provided direct evidence of the underlying process: Rituals enhance the enjoyment of consumption because of the greater involvement in the experience that they prompt.

 

 

Vohs, K. D., Wang, Y., Gino, F., &Norton, M. I. (2013). Rituals enhance consumption. Psychological Science, 24(9), 1714-1721.

https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797613478949