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😵abnormal psychology review

Shopping Addiction

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Shopping addiction, also known as compulsive shopping or oniomania, is a behavioral addiction characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with shopping and buying behaviors that lead to significant distress or impairment in daily functioning. This addiction often involves a cycle of impulse buying followed by feelings of guilt or regret, which can negatively impact financial stability and personal relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Shopping addiction affects individuals across various age groups and socioeconomic statuses, often leading to serious financial consequences such as debt and bankruptcy.
  2. The addiction can stem from underlying psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem, which individuals may try to cope with through excessive shopping.
  3. Many people with shopping addiction often justify their purchases by claiming they are on sale or that they are treating themselves, even when they cannot afford it.
  4. Treatment for shopping addiction may involve therapy, support groups, and developing healthier coping strategies to manage impulses and emotions related to shopping.
  5. Unlike casual shopping, shopping addiction is marked by a lack of control over buying behavior, where individuals continue to shop despite negative consequences.

Review Questions

  • How does shopping addiction manifest in daily life, and what behaviors are commonly observed in individuals suffering from this condition?
    • Shopping addiction typically manifests through compulsive purchasing habits, where individuals feel a strong urge to buy items even when they do not need them. Common behaviors include excessive online shopping, hiding purchases from loved ones, and spending significant amounts of time browsing stores. Those affected may also experience intense emotional responses tied to their shopping behaviors, such as temporary happiness during purchases followed by feelings of guilt or shame afterward.
  • Discuss the psychological factors that contribute to the development of shopping addiction and how these factors can affect an individual's well-being.
    • Psychological factors contributing to shopping addiction often include low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or feelings of loneliness. Individuals may use shopping as a means to escape their emotional distress or to boost their self-worth temporarily. This behavior can create a cycle where the immediate gratification from shopping leads to long-term negative consequences, such as financial issues and deteriorating relationships, ultimately worsening their mental health.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in treating shopping addiction and how it addresses underlying issues related to the behavior.
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has shown effectiveness in treating shopping addiction by helping individuals recognize and change maladaptive thought patterns related to their compulsive buying behaviors. CBT targets the underlying emotional triggers and cognitive distortions that lead to impulsive shopping, equipping individuals with coping strategies to manage urges and improve emotional regulation. Through structured sessions, participants learn healthier ways to cope with stressors instead of turning to shopping, which can significantly improve their overall well-being.