For most people, shopping is an enjoyable pastime or a necessary chore. However, for some individuals shopping can become a self-destructive addiction that can destroy their finances, family and life. Although the origins of addictions are not completely understood, experts believe that compulsive shopping is a growing problem, especially among teens. Now research reports that over 30 percent of teens engage in compulsive buying and other risky behaviors.
The study, published in Psychology Reports, questioned 111 students between the ages of 12 to 19 years about shopping and sexual behaviors as well as smoking, alcohol and drug use. The researchers found that over 30 percent of teens of all ages and ethnic groups engaged in compulsive spending and other risky behaviors. "The correlations suggest that self-report measures of cigarette smoking, alcohol use, drug use, and likelihood of engaging in premarital sex were all significantly associated with compulsive buying among teenagers," the study authors write.
According to experts, the following behaviors describe a shopping addiction:
1. Excessive spending over budget.
2. Compulsively buy much more than needed.
3. Compulsive shopping is a chronic problem.
4. Try to hide purchases.
5. Shopping negatively impacts relationships and finances.
6. Feel a rush or euphoria when on a shopping spree.
7. Shopping when feeling angry, depressed, anxious, or lonely.
Experts recommend that people with a shopping addiction seek professional help including psychiatric evaluation, Debtors Anonymous, credit or debt counseling and cognitive-behavioral treatment.
REFERENCES:
1. Roberts JA and Tanner JF Jr. Compulsive buying and risky behavior among adolescents. Psychol Rep 2000 Jun;86(3 Pt 1):763-70.
2. Hatfield, H. Shopping Spree, or Addiction? WebMD:
http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/97/104241.htm
3. Davis JL. When the Shop Till You Drop Philosophy Gets Out of Hand. WebMD, August 8, 2000: http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/27/1728_60173.htm
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on August 20, 2006 02:56 PM
