According to research from Cognition , the IKEA effect describes the increased value people place on objects they have partially created themselves.

Have you ever noticed that you appreciate handmade items more than store-bought ones, no matter how shabby or old they are? Or maybe you've felt a sense of accomplishment when you crochet a sweater or knit a scarf - even if yo
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u miss a few stitches.
As it turns out, there's a fascinating psychological phenomenon at play&mdash;one that reveals just how deeply our efforts can shape our feelings and perceptions of value: the &ldquo;IKEA effect.&rdquo;

What is the IKEA effect?

The IKEA effect is a psychological phenomenon named after the Swedish furniture retailer IKEA, famous for its flat-pack furniture that requires customers to assemble. According to research from Cognition , the IKEA effect describes the increased value people place on objects that they have partially created themselves. A key aspect of the phenomenon is cognitive bias – in which effort and personal investment increase the perceived value and attachment to an item. Because of our internal biases, the act of assembling things, cooking a meal, or even building a simple model can lead us to value the final product more highly. Interestingly, this increased valuation is not simply an emotional attachment – ​​it is also associated with a measurable increase in the amount individuals are willing to pay for products they have created themselves compared to similar pre-assembled items. The IKEA effect is related to several psychological mechanisms:<ol style="text-align: justify;"><li> Justifying effort. When people invest significant effort in a task, they experience cognitive dissonance if the outcome is not appreciated. To resolve this dissonance, they tend to inflate the value of their creativity.</li><li> The endowment effect. The endowment effect describes how people attribute more value to objects simply because they own them. When personal effort is involved, the sense of ownership is enhanced – which leads to higher perceived value.</li><li> Sense of accomplishment. Completing a challenging task or project gives individuals a sense of pride and accomplishment. This emotional reward enhances the perceived value of the product they create. </li></ol><div class="recirc-module marketPlace" data-type="standard" data-gtm-vis-recent-on-screen655684_1281="86502" data-gtm-vis-first-on-screen655684_1281="86502" data-gtm-vis-total-visible-time655684_1281="100" data-gtm-vis-has-fired655684_1281="1"><div class="recirc-module-body" id="recirc-unit"></div></div>

How does the IKEA effect manifest?

If you&rsquo;ve ever made furniture before, you&rsquo;ve probably experienced the IKEA effect firsthand. It was probably your first house or apartment. Desperate to furnish your space, you bought a flat-pack bookshelf from IKEA. The bookshelf arrived in a large, intimidating box filled with endless pieces and a detailed instruction book. You spent a Saturday afternoon assembling the bookshelf, painstakingly following each step&mdash;despite a few frustrating moments and minor setbacks.
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 When you finally tighten the last screw and step back to admire your work, you feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. The bookshelf, though imperfect, still stands tall in your living room&mdash;filled with your favourite books and trinkets. Interestingly, you even appreciate this bookshelf more than the better quality, pre-assembled furniture you&rsquo;ve purchased in the past.
 Research from the Journal of Consumer Psychology suggests that this experience will likely resonate with anyone who has successfully crafted something. Whether it&rsquo;s assembling an IKEA item, building a Lego set, or folding origami, we can&rsquo;t help but develop an attachment to do-it-yourself projects. According to the authors, the effort and time we put into building these objects significantly increases our perception of their value. So much so, in fact, that we often consider our amateur creations to be on par with those created by professionals.
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How the IKEA effect goes beyond furniture

While it&rsquo;s easy to see how building a bookshelf can make you appreciate it more, this psychological phenomenon can <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/soul-spirituality/how-to-manifest-your-desires-manifestation-techniques" target="_blank" rel="noopener">manifest</a> in many different ways. The basic principle is simple: when we invest time, effort, and ourselves into something, we tend to appreciate it more.
This is by no means limited to physically crafted objects. The joy and satisfaction we derive from any activity or pursuit can be greatly increased when we are actively involved in creating or maintaining it.
<ul style="text-align: justify;">
 <li>Love of life. Research shows that relationships thrive on mutual effort and investment. When couples take the time and energy to understand and support each other, they develop a deeper appreciation for each other. Joint efforts to endure hardship together can make relationships more fulfilling and valuable.</li>
 <li>Hobbies. Engaging in hobbies and personal projects allows us to express our creativity and develop new skills. Studies show that the satisfaction of working hard at something we love or mastering a new skill can be incredibly rewarding. Whether it&rsquo;s painting, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, investing time and effort in these activities can bring a greater sense of accomplishment and enjoyment.</li>
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The IKEA effect tells us something simple but powerful about ourselves: we value what we create. Whether it&rsquo;s a home-cooked meal, a committed <a href="https://www.lofficielibiza.com/soul-spirituality/5-types-of-intimacy-needed-in-a-relationship" target="_blank" rel="noopener">relationship</a>, or a slightly crooked bookshelf, our efforts infuse them with something special. They&rsquo;re not just &ldquo;made with love&rdquo;&mdash;they&rsquo;re made to be loved. No matter how amateurish you think you are, or how silly or difficult a project may seem, remember that your efforts are never in vain. Every effort, no matter how small, has the potential to become a source of priceless pride and joy.

The IKEA Effect: The Psychology Behind Why We Value Things We Create

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