Kitsch in Psychology: Pro-consumption Behaviour Versus Individual Well-Being

The purpose of the chapter is to discuss the area of modern psychology through the optics of the theory of aesthetic kitsch, looking at the area of modern psychology through the prism of aesthetics that deals with the analysis of art and the universal values of truth and beauty. The research methods used are the analysis of literature in the field of psychology, the analysis of the legal situation concerning the profession of psychology in Poland on the example of the “Law on the Profession of Psychologist and Professional Self-government”, and qualitative analysis of psychological research reports on the growth of behavioural addictions along with the increase in suicide attempts among young people in Poland from 2023. In particular, the legal gaps concerning the profession of psychology in Poland were analysed, and the growth of behavioural addictions in the context of consumerism is presented. The fundamental question that these considerations address relates to the areas of psychology that fulfil the hallmarks of kitsch experience, unmasked in selected elements of improving the individual’s well-being, and the entire consideration closes with the identification of kitsch components and paradoxes for behavioural addictions. The whole enquiry was set in Polish realities, while the conclusions can be transposed to other areas of legal regulations and institutional solutions.