Handmaking a better future: A scoping review on the role of handmade activities in advancing individual and societal well‐being

Abstract Building something with your hands, whether a piece of furniture, a scarf, or a vase, triggers a unique mental process enhancing a feeling of well‐being. Various research studies explore the potential effects of diverse types of activities involving hand labor. This scoping review analyzes 181 such studies spanning multiple disciplines (psychology, marketing, technology, design, health), and explores the richness of these activities and their distinct effects on individual and societal well‐being. Through this comprehensive analysis, the review enhances the understanding of the effects of handmade activities on consumer well‐being and advances marketing knowledge within the broader context of well‐being. Additionally, it probes into the commonalities among different academic theories, identifying gaps in existing marketing and psychology research and proposing paths for future exploration.