Oniomania’s dangers
Back when I inquired of a few friends (all college freshman) what they are passionate about so that I could get some inspiration for this blog, many alluded to the concept of shopping. While I agreed that I enjoy shopping, I also noted the guilt that I often feel after making a purchase.
As it turns out, compulsive shopping, also known as oniomania, is quite popular in women of the college age. According to Dr. Hindie Klein in this Psychology Today article, about 90% of those with oniomania are females, and the condition typically begins in the late teens or early teens. Evidently, this is a condition which primarily affects college aged-females, which epitomizes its relevancy and interest in my current life.
While to many this may seem to be just a silly problem that teenage girls like to quip about, it is in fact a psychological disorder that should be classified and treated in the same way of which we classify more serious conditions. Dr. Klein illuminates how making purchases awards the shopper a sense of euphoria, similar to the high that a drug user may feel after a hit. When someone with oniomania purchases something, endorphins are released and they undergo an adrenaline rush. This feeling is addictive, revealing why these shoppers are constantly drawn back to the store to make another purchase.
The article also touches on how people often shop to rid themselves of the burdens of life. These include but are not limited to anger, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem issues. Being able to shop may make someone feel better about themselves, and while it may seem foolish, even a new outfit can make someone perceive themself as “prettier”, more confident, and more willing to complete their day to day tasks.
While the high of shopping can definitely foster coping with underlying problems, it does not abolish these problems all together, which is why this establishes an addiction. People strive to feel that “high” again, causing them to go back and repurchase. A lot of the time people don’t even utilize the item — they might not take it out of the packaging or may just return it. This goes to show why people often describe it as retail therapy. But no matter how much they buy, the realities of life will always be in the background.
In addition, a shopping addiction can produce additional problems for those suffering. The obvious one would be financial issues — perhaps a shopper overestimates how much they have to spend on their own personal shopping. This then may be eating into their budget for things that are essential such as food, mortgage, utilities, and more. If an individual shares financial responsibilities with a spouse or a family member, these relationships may begin to take a toll as the financial environment may alter with a shopping addiction.
Now this isn’t me saying that you should never shop. It’s definitely fun to go shopping, and there are times when it is essential (I need a shirt for white out, obviously). But when it transforms into a coping mechanism, this becomes a dangerous way of life. It is not appropriate to try to take the weight of life out in shopping. There are many more effective ways to improve your mental health such as exercise, talking to friends, therapy, fresh air, support groups, and more. When this becomes the solution to problems is when it should be reconsidered.
I find the existence of the condition oniomania very interesting. A shopping problem or addiction has always seemed like silly characteristic that one might possess, but never striked me as an actual problem. This blog has provided me with much needed insight into the reality of having a shopping addiction. I think you did a great job incorporating actual scientific studies behind oniomania to show why people should care about the issue and acknowledge if they potentially suffer from it. You turn a problem that most neglect into something to be cared about. This blog is very relatable, educational, entertaining and an easy day to day read.