Compulsive Shopping
Compulsive shopping is an affliction that affects 15 million
Americans (13.5 million women and 1.5 million men). (Bertagnoli, 2003)
Compulsive shopping, or the risk of becoming a compulsive shopper, affects
approximately between two and eight percent of Americans. (Chaker, 2003)
But, what is this condition known to the psychiatric community as
Oniomania, in its simplest definition, is an obsession with purchasing
items. Those suffering from compulsive shopping find themselves purchasing
items they don't need. They often purchase multiples of an item. Deborah
Rodriguez, a confirmed compulsive shopper, related coming "home with six
packages of clothespins even though she didn't own a clothesline."
(Chaker, 2003) Acknowledging this pattern of behavior as a problem is step
one in finding a cure; uncovering the causes of the behavior is the next
Some professionals surmise that compulsive shopping is an emotional
disorder. Those suffering from this problem often use the purchasing of
products to fill an emotional void in their lives. Many try to replace
missing love and affection with the purchasing of items. Others hide
behind their purchasing habits, from real life situations. Karen Patterson
(2003) states that these purchases "create and remind one of one's
identity, (â€) create feelings of well-being to counter feelings of
emotional or social emptiness, (†and) express the self for self-
The cause, for this disorder, may take root in social causes as well.
It may be a learned behavior from parents of children who used material
rewards. Americans also have the tendency to equate material items with
success and social status. Keeping up with the Jones'' has never been
more true. No matter what cause spurred a healthy, responsible shopping
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