The Session: Shopaholics

I Corinthians 10:13 "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

The psychology of shopaholism is rooted in the temporary relief and emotional highs that shopping provides, which can be a coping mechanism for stress, low self-esteem, or feelings of powerlessness. It's a behavioral addiction.

Psychological drivers

• Emotional regulation: Shopping can be a way to soothe negative feelings like stress, anxiety, sadness, or anger.
• Sense of control: For those who feel a lack of control in other areas of their life, shopping can provide a sense of power and autonomy.
• Highs and lows: The release of endorphins and dopamine during a purchase creates a temporary "high" or sense of gratification. However, this is often followed by feelings of shame, disappointment, or guilt, which leads to a cycle of seeking the rush again.
• Self-esteem and validation: Compulsive buying can be a way to seek validation or improve one's self-image and sense of importance through material possessions.
• Perfectionism: Some individuals may shop compulsively to achieve an imagined sense of perfection, believing that certain items will make them more complete. 

Comorbidity 

• Other disorders could be happening at the same time.

Behavioral patterns

• Preoccupation: Individuals become preoccupied with shopping and making purchases, sometimes to an obsessive degree.
• Impulse control issues: A key feature is difficulty resisting the impulse to buy, even when they know it's a bad idea.
• Secrecy and guilt: They may hide their purchases from friends and family and feel a significant amount of shame and guilt after shopping sprees.

Escalation: The behavior can escalate into financial, emotional, and relational problems.

To reach Tom Russell, go to https://www.heritagechristiancounselingofmansfield.com.