Compulsive Shooping & Depression
...its’ Relationship with Depression
Compulsive Shopping 2
Compulsive Shopping and its’ Relationship with Depression
Compulsive shopping can be associated with depression. An increasing body of research has found that there is a link between compulsive shopping and depression. According to Faber and O’Guinn compulsive shopping was first defined as “chronic, repetitive purchasing that becomes a primary response to negative events or feelings” ( Faber & O’Guinn, 1992). Researchers have found that individuals suffering from compulsive shopping tend to have self esteem issues and tend to fantasize more than those individuals who do not suffer from compulsive shopping.
Faber and O’Guinn conducted a study of compulsive shopping through the use of a survey. The goal of the study was to establish a relationship between depression and compulsive shopping as well as to determine the prevalence of compulsive shopping. The participants in the study included both compulsive shoppers and members of the general public . The participants who had identified themselves as compulsive shoppers were picked because they wanted help and had not previously attempted to receive treatment. Participants were given a questionnaire that was designed to address psychological and behavioral aspects of their shopping trips . The participants also completed interviews with trained therapists. The goal of the study was to establish a relationship between depression and compulsive shopping as well as to determine the prevalence of compulsive shopping. Faber and O’Guinn found significant differences between compulsive shoppers and general consumers. Compulsive shoppers were found to have a similar number of credit cards as general consumers however, they had far more credit card debt than general consumers. The study also established that compulsive shoppers have issues with...
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