Seeking Contentment: Dealing with Compulsive Shopping

Every few months, there are sales events in the US. The big ones, of course, are Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day, and Christmas. There’s no shortage of advertising targeting us to spend our hard-earned dollars, and it’s a constant barrage of enticements. However, our shopping habits don’t always coincide with buying things at a significant discount, and it can be a serious problem.

What Is Compulsive Shopping?

People approach shopping in such different ways. Some people loathe it and want to avoid it altogether, if that’s doable, or at least simplify the process as much as possible. Other people relish it, carving out time to do it leisurely and enjoying the process of browsing. It’s a chore for some, and an absolute delight for others.

Compulsive shopping, which is also known as shopping addiction, retail therapy, or compulsive buying disorder, isn’t officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a distinct medical condition. Rather, it is considered a type of impulse control disorder, which is a type of mental health condition.

When a person is said to be a compulsive shopper, it means that they are enmeshed in a pattern of behavior characterized by excessive and repetitive purchasing of products, often without regard for financial consequences or personal needs. Some of the marks of compulsive shopping include the following:

Loss of control Compulsive shopping will often lead to difficulty controlling or stopping the behavior, despite experiencing negative consequences for it, like damaging relationships with loved ones, getting into debt, or failing to meet other obligations, like making your car payment or paying your mortgage.

Recurring and irresistible urges Compulsive shopping will also involve feeling an overwhelming urge to buy stuff, and this is often accompanied by feelings of anxiety or tension.

Preoccupation Compulsive shopping may mean spending a lot of time thinking about shopping, browsing catalogues and websites, or acquiring new products.

Secrecy and hiding Lastly, compulsive shopping may be marked by feeling ashamed or guilty about your shopping habits, leading to secrecy and hiding your purchases from others.

Why People Shop Compulsively

Many different possible causes could account for compulsive shopping. Some people may be more prone to impulsive behaviors like compulsive shopping due to an imbalance in their brain chemistry. If an individual has a family history of addiction or impulse control disorders, they may be more susceptible to compulsive shopping.

Other factors that could result in compulsive shopping include that it functions for some people as an unhealthy coping mechanism to deal with stress, anxiety, sadness, or other difficult emotions. Lastly, cultural factors like living in a consumerist culture can contribute to embracing compulsive shopping behaviors. Thus, there are biological, genetic, environmental, and cultural factors that are at play in compulsive shopping.

The question of compulsive shopping can also be viewed through a Christian perspective. One dimension to consider is that it may also be a spiritual issue that’s tied to deeper heart issues and desires. We can idolize our stuff, seeking comfort, validation, and happiness through what we own instead of through our Creator (Romans 1:20-23).

Compulsive shopping may also be a way to seek control when things seem out of control. When you feel overwhelmed or powerless in other areas of life, shopping can provide a (misplaced) sense of control and power. Instead of finding our sense of worth and filling the void of meaning in our lives with God and healthy relationships, we can turn to the things we buy to satisfy our longing for meaningful connection.

Moving Beyond Compulsive Shopping Toward Contentment

Dealing with compulsive shopping requires a multifaceted approach that takes into account the genetic, biological, social, and spiritual dimensions of it. There are helpful biblical principles like cultivating gratitude and contentment in all circumstances that are helpful (1 Timothy 6:6-10; Philippians 4:11-13). It’s also important to remember that we are only stewards, and not owners, of what God has given us (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 12:13-34).

Spiritual disciplines such as gratitude, fasting, self-reflection, and generosity can also foster a healthy attitude toward possessions and lead to finding fulfilment in the Lord. Finding accountability and community can also be helpful; you can share your struggles with trusted friends or spiritual mentors who can provide you with support on your journey.

In addition to these interventions, one can seek financial counseling to help with managing existing debt and nurturing healthy financial habits. Through individual counseling, talk therapy can help to address the issues underlying compulsive shopping, and one can develop healthier coping mechanisms that effectively reduce the urge to shop compulsively.

If you or a loved one struggles with compulsive shopping, contact our office today. Let us connect you to counselors in our network who can lead you to financial security and overcome compulsive shopping.