Behavioural Addiction - Shopping

Initiation

The stage when the addiction starts

Maintenance

The stage where an individual continues an addiction

Relapse

The stage where an individual that has stopped their addiction returns to it

Cog: Self-medication model

This explanation focuses on how an individual thinks about or perceives past traumatic experiences and current feelings of distress. Shopping is used to deal with the problems (self-medicate using shopping)

Cog: Relief from boredom

Shopping is an easy way to relieve boredom

Cog: Psychological problems, distress and lack of self-esteem

Shopping is used as relief from distress and early trauma. Stress brings feelings to the surface

Cog: Reduction of anxiety associated with spending

Compulsive shoppers spend money which leads them into debts that cannot easily be repaid, so they experience anxiety when they consider these consequences. Anxiety can be temporarily reduced by continuing to shop (self-medicate)

Cog: Withdrawal symptoms

Narrow focus of attention whilst shopping reduces anxiety. This anxiety will resurface so more shopping will be done to stop it. Boredom, distress, anxiety - shopping relieves this

Cog: Breakdown of coping strategies

Shopping helps cope with problems but also makes them worse. The underlying problem needs to be treated

Learning: Role models and vicarious reinforcement

Observe role models shopping and indirectly experience enjoyment

Learning: Role of celebrities and adverts

Consumer goods are presented in adverts as bringing pleasure or status to those that buy them. Celebrities are effective models because of their association with a glamorous lifestyle based on shopping. The viewer may identify with a celebrity which makes imitation of the celebrity's buying behaviour more likely

Learning: Positive reinforcement

1) Excitement of shopping experience, praise and status from friends (inc social media) 2) Dopamine reward system provides 'rush' like drugs

Learning: Negative reinforcement

Shopping blocks negative feelings, over time these feelings will resurface and then more shopping will be done to block them

Learning: Cues associated with shopping

TV adverts and shops are hard to avoid and will trigger cravings

Learning: Relief from withdrawal symptoms

Negative feelings can be relieved through shopping again (this will only be a temporary release)