Compulsive Buying as a Coping Mechanism

| Indira Bulhan

Blog Post: 3

Have you ever bought something out of a strong impulse which you could not control? While it can be an occasional event for some, for few others it can become a repetitive habit. This blog post aims to look at compulsive buying as a coping mechanism for anxiety which arises from a possible absence of a particular item.

   Compulsive buying is an important area to explore as with the growth of the society, it is growing rapidly. Moreover, even though it may appear harmless, it may lead to consequences such as financial strains, problems in family relations, lack of impulse control and proper budget planning .

Compulsive buying can be defined as a cycle of repetition of intense, sudden and irresistible urge to acquire products which are followed by the excessive, uncontrolled purchase of goods (da Silva, 2015). According to Li et al. (2014), compulsive buying occurs as a form of response to negative emotions. Studies have shown some common emotions to be that of anxiety and depression. In this blog post, however, I will focus on the emotion of anxiety.  The emotion of anxiety can be defined as a feeling of unease, worry, and tension (Encyclopedia of Psychology, 2000). It is observed that the possibility of the absence of some goods and products and the uncertainty it creates may result in anxiety. In order to cope with this, buyers get a strong desire to purchase the product instantly. When this behavior reaches a state of excess, where it can be difficult or impossible to control it becomes compulsive buying.

   In an attempt to explain the coping strategy, the model of coping modes by Krohne (Krohne, 1989) will be discussed. The model of coping modes (MCM) categorizes two different classes of coping strategies: vigilance and cognitive avoidance. The former can be defined as an approach to or an intensified processing of stimulus which appears to be threatening. The latter can be characterized as withdrawal from the stimulus which poses a threat (Krohne, 1989). Vigilance helps to gain control over a particular situation whereas cognitive avoidance helps to reduce the state of arousal which occurs due to the threat-posing stimulus. However, in the case of uncertainty, people generally tend to have a vigilant mode of coping (Krohne, 2002). Reflecting back, the topic of the blog post is about compulsive buying as a way of coping from anxiety related to items. Here, the anxiety related to the probability of absence of any particular product gives rise to uncertainty. In such situations, it wants to make the person be in control of the situation. It leads to the habit of compulsive buying which can be seen as a vigilant coping strategy.

   Looking at the very nature of compulsive buying, the question of addiction related to buying can be raised.  Looking at the neurotransmitter Dopamine and its contribution to the reward processing of the brain, it is seen that dopamine generates a sense of anticipation of rewards (Urry, 2014). Studies have shown that certain addictive drugs such as nicotine, cocaine, and opiates hyperstimulate the dopamine reward system (Hartston, 2012). For some individuals, certain behaviors can also result in similar addictive patterns as they have a similar effect on the dopamine reward system. According to Hartston (Hartston, 2012), accessibility of the stimulus, marketing strategies of the product which may result in hyperstimulation and purchase of item immediately on the basis of impulse may act as contributing factors to the addictive aspect of buying. Looking back, the anticipation of reward and obtaining the reward calm the uncertainty which arises due to the possible absence of a product. Moreover, the very thought or gaining of something rewarding makes an individual feel in control of the situation which can be linked to the vigilant coping strategy of Model of Coping Modes (Krohne, 2002). Therefore, they aid in understanding the link between dopamine pathways and vigilant strategy of compulsive buying.

   To conclude, compulsive buying can be seen as a coping strategy which may not appear to be harmful on the surface but can have serious and long-term consequences. More research in this area and treatments which help people to gain better control over their impulses can prove to be highly beneficial and supportive.

Citation

da Silva, Tricia. (2015). Compulsive Buying: Psychopathological Condition, Coping Strategy or Sociocultural Phenomenon? A Review. Journal of Addictive Behaviors, Therapy and Rehabilitation. 04. 10.4172/2324-9005.1000137.

Li, S., Unger, A. and Bi, C. “Different Facets of Compulsive Buying Among Chinese Students”, Journal of Behavioral Addiction, Volume 3, Number 4, Pages 238-245, 2014.

Encyclopedia of psychology. Washington, D.C. : American Psychological Association ; Oxford [Oxfordshire] ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2000

(OCoLC)763745525

Krohne, H. W. (1989). The concept of coping modes: Relating cognitive person variables to actual coping behaviour. Advances in Behaviour Research and Therapy, 11, 235-248. doi:10.1016/0146-6402(89)90027-1

Krohne, H. W. (2002). Stress and Coping Theories. Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz Germany. 10.1016/B0-08-043076-7/03817-1.

Urry, H. (2014, October 10). Dopamine imbalance and its effect on compulsive behaviors [Web log post]. Retrieved from https://sites.tufts.edu/emotiononthebrain/2014/10/10/dopamine-imbalance-and-its-effect-on-compulsive-behaviors/

Hartston, H. (2012). The case for compulsive shopping as an addiction. J Psychoactive Drugs, 44(1), 64-67. doi:10.1080/02791072.2012.660110