19-February-2023

From Impulse to Habit Understanding: Compulsive Shopping

Excessive shopping is a prevalent concern, and its rise in popularity has raised alarm in many nations, including our state of Kerala. With the advent of large shopping centres like LuLu Mall, showcasing mega supermarkets in the metropolises of Kerala, consumers are subjected to an array of items and enticements meant to convince them to overindulge in purchasing. This trend has resulted in the acquisition of unnecessary items, eventually leading to a cluttered living space filled with unnecessary possessions.
It is not just a matter of poor judgement or impulsive buying habits; excessive shopping reflects larger societal issues. The power of consumer culture and advertising's impact on consumer behaviour is a contributing factor to excessive shopping. Society is inundated with messages that prioritize materialism and the notion that more is always better, causing individuals to develop an unhealthy relationship with shopping and possessions.

Definition of Excessive Shopping and Its Impact on Individuals and Society

Excessive shopping, a phenomenon also referred to as compulsive buying disorder (CBD) or compulsive shopping, is a persistent pattern of unrestrained and exorbitant buying behaviour. Those who struggle with CBD find themselves uncontrollably purchasing more than they need, want, or can afford, leading to severe consequences for their financial, emotional, and social stability.

The constant bombardment of advertisements promoting consumerism and materialism has made shopping a ubiquitous activity, causing individuals to feel pressure to keep up with the latest trends and display wealth through possessions. This drive to constantly consume can be overwhelming, resulting in excessive shopping behaviour.
Compulsive buying disorder is a recognized mental health condition, affecting 2-8% of the general population. It is classified as an impulse control disorder and can greatly impact an individual's life. Those who suffer from CBD often experience guilt, shame, and anxiety due to their shopping habits and can quickly find themselves in financial distress from their excessive spending.

Psychological Reasons for Excessive Shopping Such as Compulsive Buying Disorder and Materialism

The practice of excessive shopping, commonly known as Compulsive Buying Disorder (CBD), is not solely rooted in financial constraints or poor impulse control. Rather, it stems from a labyrinthine web of psychological and emotional factors, including materialism, which can be difficult to untangle. CBD is a recognized mental health condition where individuals display persistent and uncontrollable buying behaviours that result in negative consequences for their financial, social and emotional well-being.
Materialism, defined as the belief that material possessions hold the key to happiness and success, is one of the driving forces behind excessive shopping. People who hold strong materialistic values may engage in excessive shopping, amassing possessions in a desperate bid to attain happiness and satisfaction. However, research has shown that materialism often leads to the exact opposite, perpetuating a cycle of dissatisfaction and a never-ending pursuit of more.
Moreover, psychological, and emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and a thirst for instant gratification can also play a crucial role in excessive shopping. For many, shopping can provide a temporary escape from these feelings, but the long-term consequences of excessive spending can often worsen the underlying emotional problems.

Online Shopping in Perpetuating Excessive Shopping Behaviour and Consumer Decision-making

Online shopping has had a profound impact on both consumer behaviour and decision-making, with a noticeable perpetuation of excessive shopping behaviour. Convenience and accessibility, empowered by just a few clicks, has made it easy for individuals to indulge in compulsive buying from anywhere and anytime.
Online shopping has facilitated price comparisons, product feature evaluations, and review assessments, leading to impulsive purchases. Moreover, personalized recommendations based on browsing and purchase history, combined with targeted advertising, contribute to excessive shopping behaviour as consumers are repeatedly exposed to previously unknown products.
The effects of online buying habits on consumer behaviour and decision-making are remarkable. Swift and effortless purchases trigger impulsive buying, while constant advertisement and personalized recommendations promote excessive shopping. Furthermore, online shopping often presents a cloak of anonymity, causing individuals to feel less accountable for their actions.

The Dangers of Excessive Shopping Such as Debt, Clutter, and Emotional Consequences.

Excessive shopping is a perilous habit that brings along numerous hazardous effects such as debt, a cluttered living space, and emotional repercussions. The most prominent danger of excessive shopping is the accrual of debt. Those who engage in compulsive shopping often indulge in overspending, which can result in dire financial predicaments including immense debt, bankruptcy, and in extreme cases, homelessness.
Clutter is another dangerous outcome of excessive shopping. Compulsive buyers tend to accumulate vast amounts of clutter in their homes, making it challenging to maintain a clean and organized living space. The physical and emotional toll of constantly having to deal with clutter can be debilitating, leading to feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression.
Emotional consequences of excessive shopping are also considerable. Guilt, shame, and embarrassment about shopping habits often result in low self-esteem and body image issues. The repetitive cycle of buying, feeling guilty, and buying again can emotionally exhaust individuals and lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair.

The Impact of Advertising and Marketing on Consumer Behaviour and How iI Contributes to Excessive Shopping.

Advertising and marketing exert an immense impact on the way consumers behave and spend, often triggering excessive shopping tendencies. Corporations employ an array of tactics - from influencer marketing to targeted advertisements and product placement - to sway customers' buying choices. These techniques are highly persuasive, and they can inspire individuals to engage in excessive shopping habits.

Advertising can propagate a culture of consumption - companies often craft their advertisements to evoke a desire for their products, portraying them to attain happiness, satisfaction, or beauty. This can lure individuals into excessive shopping as they try to attain these desirable emotions or qualities.
Moreover, advertisements are often guilty of fomenting false needs - convincing customers that they require certain products that they do not necessarily need. This can lead to excessive shopping as individuals attempt to satisfy artificially created needs.
With the advent of online shopping and mobile devices, advertisements and marketing messages have become easily accessible, making purchasing simpler and more convenient. This convenience can contribute to excessive shopping, as individuals are more likely to make impulsive purchases without giving it much thought.

The Benefits of Mindful and Responsible Consumerism

To effectively curb the pernicious pattern of excessive shopping, a holistic and multi-strategic approach is required. Here are some key strategies that can assist in managing excessive shopping behaviour:
Awareness: The initial step in managing excessive shopping is gaining insight into the behaviour and its effects on one's life. Keeping a record of spending and noting down the triggers and reasons behind excessive shopping is crucial.
Mindful Purchasing: Practicing mindful purchasing involves taking a step back and considering the purpose behind every purchase. It entails making deliberate and informed choices, instead of being impulsive.
Alternatives: To break the cycle of excessive shopping, finding alternative activities that bring joy and satisfaction is crucial. This could mean indulging in a favourite hobby, volunteering, or spending quality time with loved ones.
Expert Help: For individuals with compulsive buying disorder, getting professional help from a licensed therapist or counsellor can prove to be an effective way to manage excessive shopping behaviour. Through therapy, individuals can work on the psychological and emotional factors that contribute to the behaviour.

Conclusion

Excessive shopping is a labyrinthine issue fuelled by a multitude of factors, including societal consumption culture, impactful marketing campaigns, and emotional predispositions. While it may provide momentary happiness and satisfaction, it can also result in monetary woes, emotional turmoil, and a cluttered environment. Thus, it is of utmost importance to adopt a conscious and responsible approach towards consumption and devise tactics to conquer excessive shopping habits.