Shopaholics are almost as likely to be men as they are women, according to a study published by psychologists today. The report overturns the widespread view that binge buying is a predominantly female pursuit, and claims more than one in 20 of adults are prone to compulsive spending sprees.
Known to psychologists as compulsive buying disorder, people who binge-buy experience waves of irresistible and often senseless urges to shop. They are often left with bundles of unwanted clothes and other items and rack up sizeable debts from frequent shopping bonanzas. The consequences can be severe, leading to bankruptcy, divorce, embezzlement and even suicide attempts.
[SOURCE: Guardian Unlimited, 30 Sept 2006 ]
Like my previous post about Malaysia, I think this is another affliction limited to wealthy nations. If you have extra money to spend, then why not give in to that senseless urge of buying unwanted items? But having no money limits one to get crazy. Of course, if you begin robbing banks or assaulting persons to steal money to feed your delirious wants, then the gravity of your mental illness worsens.
The study published in the current issue of the AJP (abstract is here), says that the estimated point prevalence of compulsive buying among women is 6 percent and 5.5 percent for men. 'Almost negligible differences. The study was done in the US by interviewing more than 2,500 adults.
The study further said that, "compulsive buyers were younger," and "a greater proportion reported incomes under $50,000." They were also 4 times less likely to pay their credit card balances in full. 'No wonder their debts accumulate, huh?
Female compulsive buyers splurge on clothes, cosmetics, jewelry, and home articles.
Male compulsive buyers, on the other hand, fork out money buying tools, gadgets, CDs, books (uh-oh!), cameras, and computer stuff.
Compulsive buying does not make the sufferer feel any happier, according to the study. Maybe that is why their spending adventure never ends. They also will try to hide this shopping addiction from family and friends. They might even ignore it and pretend there's nothing wrong with them. Who profits from all of these? The shop owners, of course! They'd surely be sad if these compulsive buyers suddenly get cured. *LOL*
How about you? Do you think you're a compulsive buyer? How will you know? Look here.
15 reactions:
I wouldn't mind being a compulsive buyer siguro if that is because I have plenty to spare. That is, if I have a lot, and I mean A LOT!!! to spare that I wouldn't know what to do with my money.
Perhaps the problem is more prevalent in wealthier nations because of the higher credits for credit cards, more consumer items to get crazy on, more malls and stores to buy from, and more sales to enjoy. I just came from the States and there was just sooooooo much to buy!
I like shopping but I think I am not a compulsive buyer. When I find something I like and want to buy it, I normally sleep it through and then when I wake up still wanting to buy it, then I head to the shop ;)
It is funny that we have read the same paper. Pathologic Hoarding. Maybe Freud is right: Men are anal-erotic. Hello, Darkness
Once I went and bought 10 shirts on impulse. I felt good after that!
T.ROLLY: Hello, Tito. Money is always the necessary requirement.
TOE: more choices + not knowing when to stop + higher credits = Big Problem
DUKE: Sleep it over! What a great idea. :)
HOWLING: Pathologic hoarding, while also one of the compulsive disorders, is a bit different from compulsive buying.
BAYI: I don't think that qualifies as pathologic. 10 shirts won't ruin your financial balance. I also do that once in a while :)
you are definitely part og the statistics dr. emer. your book buying must be pathological, because i remember you mentioning before that you have a stack of new books, unread, on your floor.
you need help doctor! :)
*LOL* I refuse to believe that, May. My 'preoccupation' hasn't interfered yet with my social functioning. By the time it does, I'd probably be retired and have more time to read my unread books.
I want to be a compulsive buyer, but I don't have the money. Haha.
I am a compulsive buyer especially when I'm depressed. Heehee.
JAM: Just like Tito Rolly. :)
TONI: Then I guess we should always try to make you happy. ;)
I'm disquaified in this area as I have nothing to spend...lol.
I'm more of an impulsive buyer. Once fatal attraction is established, there's goes the 'itch'. :)
i know a lot of people who are compulsive buyers... so there's a term for them pala. they're CBD's. :) sort-of like OCD's.
I am surprised by the numbers... I thought that 99.99 % of women were compulsive buyers. I would have put 1% for the men!
Strange, very strange...
I guess I already said that when you torture numbers, they'll confess to anything. ;-)
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