Abstract Title: Rituals Enhance Consumption. Abstract Source: Psychol Sci. 2013 Jul 17. Epub 2013 Jul 17. PMID: 23863754 Abstract Author(s): Kathleen D Vohs, Yajin Wang, Francesca Gino, Michael I Norton Article Affiliation: 1Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota. Abstract: 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. Article Published Date : Jul 16, 2013