Shopping Addiction
Elizabeth Murray
Shopping Spree or Addiction?
Shopoholism
Ruth Engs, EdD, a professor of applied health science at Indiana University, states that "There are certainly a lot of commonalities among shopoholics and other addicts. For instance while alcoholics will hide their bottles, shopoholics will hide their purchases."
Often times, the occasional shopping spree with friends can turn into the weekly, daily, hourly spree. Quickly, this can turn ruin family finances and relationships.
The Science of Shopoholism
How to tell when it becomes a problem?
-Compulsive buying
-Hiding the problem (i.e hiding the evidence/bills)
-Feeling "lost" without credit cards
-Describing a rush or euphoria when spending
-Lying about the amount of money spent
-Shifting accounts or bills to accommodate spending habits
*Often, shopping addictions gravely affect the lives of those involved. Lying, manipulating and obsessive behaviors can ruin one's view of themselves and their relationships with others.
According to Zehr, if one identifies with four or more of any of these behaviors, there may be a problem
Getting help
Statistics
According to a recent study done by Dr. April Benson revealed shocking numbers regarding shopping. The following stats are taken directly from an article by Charles Tran, Survey: Shopping Addiction Statistics
- 31.7 percent of respondents said they “almost always” or “frequently” purchase things just because they’re on sale.
- 18.1 percent said they often purchase items that they don’t need or didn’t plan to buy when they set out to shop.
- Nearly 11 percent of those polled said they frequently shop to improve their mood.
- 47.4 percent said they experience a rush of excitement when they go shopping.
- 24.4 percent admitted they have items in their closets that are still in shopping bags or have price tags.
- 18.5 percent said they have frequent arguments over money.
- 19.1 percent said their main reason for using credit cards is to pay for items when they don’t have enough money.