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Publication Date

2025-5

First Advisor

Bill Peterson

Document Type

Honors Project

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Psychology

Keywords

collecting behavior, collecting motivations, gender

Abstract

Collecting is a widespread human behavior, yet quantitative research on the motivations behind it remains limited and the collecting literature has perpetuated theories that women are less inclined to collect than men. Exploratory studies have identified various potential motivations for collecting; however, further statistical analysis is needed to determine whether underlying patterns exist across individuals. Using data from a prior study at Tilburg University (N = 1,492), we conducted an exploratory factor analysis and hierarchical regression analysis to identify thematic structures within collecting motivations. We hypothesize that men and women will exhibit similar patterns in their motivations to collect. The analysis revealed four key motivational factors—identity definition, purpose, communal esteem, and experience preservation—none of which showed gender differences in their structural relationships to each other, although some significant differences emerged in mean levels of rated importance. gender differences in their. These findings challenge persistent gender stereotypes in the collecting literature. Qualitative interviews with experienced collectors enriched the interpretation of the quantitative results, illustrating how these motivations manifest in lived experiences. By examining these dynamics, this study aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the psychological and cultural factors that drive collecting.

Rights

©2025 Liberty Lehr. Access limited to the Smith College community and other researchers while on campus. Smith College community members also may access from off-campus using a Smith College log-in. Other off-campus researchers may request a copy through Interlibrary Loan for personal use.

Language

English

Comments

36 pages. Includes bibliographical references (pages 27-29).

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