The development of self-identity through material possessions begins in infancy, as individuals distinguish themselves from the environment and attach emotional significance to possessions. In childhood, possessions often symbolize comfort, security, and personal identity. As people mature, the value placed on material possessions might decrease, but these items gain significance for capturing life's milestones and emotional connections. In adulthood, possessions that encapsulate achievements or memories become extensions of identity, symbolizing facets of self, important relationships, and personal history. Therefore, material possessions continuously contribute to identity development by embodying experiences, personal growth, and expressions of self across different life stages .

The concept of 'self-extensions' influences the notion of immortality by allowing personal identity aspects to outlive the individual through possessions. As possessions carry emotional significance and reflect self-concept, they become lasting symbols of the owner. When a person passes away, these possessions continue to evoke memories and emotions among those who remain, serving as enduring extensions of the individual. Consequently, self-extensions in possessions bestow a sense of immortality as they perpetuate personal identity and legacy beyond physical life .

William James, influenced by Herman Lotze's 'Philosophy of Dress,' asserts that clothing is part of the material self, affecting our attitudes and behavior by directly interacting with our body's sensations. Clothes are more than mere fabric; they reflect our self by emphasizing personal and stylistic choices, which represent individual identity and expression. According to Watson, clothing becomes imbued with the consciousness of our existence, making its contours part of oneself, thus allowing clothes to function as a potent form of self-expression .

William James's integration of the 'Philosophy of Dress' into his views on personal identity reflects his belief that objects, like clothing, become extensions of the self. According to James, clothing is not merely functional but is entrenched with personal identity, affecting our emotional and behavioral expressions. This philosophy, inspired by Herman Lotze, suggests that clothing forms a part of self-consciousness by merging with personal identity, influencing how individuals perceive themselves and are perceived by others. Thus, clothing encapsulates personal and stylistic choices that integrate into one's self-concept, representing individuality and societal roles .

Losing a possession closely identified with oneself can cause significant psychological distress, as outlined by the emotional attachments and investments discussed in the texts. Such possessions are often intertwined with personal identity, memories, and experiences, and their loss can feel like losing a part of the self. This loss may provoke feelings of grief, identity disruption, and emotional pain, similar to losing a personal connection or aspect of one's identity. The emotional difficulty faced by bereaved family members in letting go of objects associated with deceased loved ones underscores this complex psychological impact .

Emotional connections with objects demonstrate the 'hierarchy of material self' by illustrating levels of personal investment and identity attachment to various entities. At the innermost level, the body receives maximum investment due to its immediate physical correlation with self. Clothing further extends identity expression and emotional attachment through personalization. Immediate family members exemplify a deeper emotional investment due to shared life experiences. Lastly, the home encompasses identity through accumulated memories and personal history. Thus, this hierarchy reflects a gradient of emotional bonds and self-extensions from the individual to familial and environmental spheres .

The argument that possessions significantly contribute to individual happiness is supported by the idea that they represent life events and accomplishments, serving as tangible reminders of personal history and achievements. This emotional and symbolic connection creates a sense of fulfillment, satisfaction, and identity continuity. For instance, possessions tied to significant milestones, such as awards, heirlooms, or memorabilia, offer ongoing happiness through the personal and emotional narratives they sustain. However, this happiness can be contingent on the individual's ability to balance material appreciation with intrinsic values, highlighting that the true value lies in the personal meanings attributed to possessions rather than material wealth alone .

Russel Belk posits that individuals regard their possessions as extensions of themselves, influencing their identity. As people invest parts of themselves in their possessions, these possessions become symbolic of their identity, reflecting self-concept, memories, and personal history. This concept implies that self-investment in possessions can modify and enhance identity by establishing personal and emotional connections with inanimate objects .

William James describes the 'material self' as comprising our bodies, clothes, immediate family, and home. These components significantly influence our identity as we invest part of ourselves in them. Our body is seen as the innermost part of the material self, with ailments or disorders directly affecting us. Clothing acts as a form of self-expression, reflecting our self and affecting our attitudes and behavior. Our immediate family holds emotional investment, where their successes and failures impact our feelings as if they were our own. Our home is an extension of our selfhood, deeply connected to our identity through experiences and memories .

The psychological difficulty in relinquishing possessions during bereavement stems from their deep association with the deceased, serving as extensions of the loved one. These possessions symbolize shared memories, emotional bonds, and aspects of the loved one's identity, providing comfort and continuity in the face of loss. Such objects become imbued with the significance and emotional residue of the deceased, making it challenging to part with them as they appear to embody and preserve the loved one's presence and legacy, complicating the grieving process by magnifying feelings of loss and attachment .