Psychotherapy | 3 min read | 2024-09-30 | 155 Views
Retail therapy: Good or bad for our mental health?
Shopping has become an integral part of modern life, serving both practical and emotional purposes. While it can provide short-term relief and a sense of control, often referred to as "retail therapy," its effects on mental health are complex. On one hand, shopping can offer emotional benefits, like stress relief and social interaction. On the other hand, when used as a primary coping mechanism, it can lead to impulsivity, compulsive behavior, and financial strain. Ultimately, the impact of shopping on mental health depends on the individual’s mindset and the reasons behind their purchases.
Shopping has become part of modern life, blending necessity with recreation. As our society has shifted towards consumerism, shopping has evolved into more than just a means of acquiring goods—it has become a social activity, an outlet for stress, and sometimes even a tool for emotional management.
“Retail therapy” is often applied to the notion of trying to cheer oneself up through the purchase of self-treats1. While shopping can have both positive and negative effects on mental health, its overall impact depends on how it is approached and the individual’s underlying psychological state. Basically, we have to ask our selves: Why am I shopping?
On the one hand, the negative emotions behind retail therapy have been associated with lack of behavioral control and impulsivity1. Therefore, it can also have adverse effects, particularly when used as a primary coping mechanism for deeper emotional issues. Studies show that shopping can also become an addiction, largely as a result of the specific regions of brain activation. Notably, the nucleus accumbens, which plays a key role in the brain's reward system, becomes active when a desirable item is considered. Therefore, people who often turn to shopping as a form of "emotional therapy" may exhibit increased activity in the nucleus accumbens leading to a non ending vicious cycle of reward and pleasure in order to dismiss negative emotions2.
On the other hand, Prior research has provided some suggestive evidence that shopping can convey psychological benefits3. A study by Atalay and Meloy (2011) found participants having positive feelings when recalling their recent purchases. In addition, participants argued they enjoyed the act of shopping more than the anticipation for it. Moreover, studies have showed that the ability to choose tends to enhance one's sense of personal control, which is key to shopping3. Conversely, retail therapy can offer a distraction and an opportunity for social interaction. However, the nowadays boom of online shopping has made that option less viable.
Shopping, like many activities in modern life, can have a complex relationship with mental health. On one side, it can provide short-term emotional relief, social engagement, and a sense of control. Nonetheless, when used as a coping mechanism for deeper emotional issues, shopping can lead to compulsive behaviors, financial difficulties, and long-term dissatisfaction.
References
- Atalay, A. S., & Meloy, M. G. (2011). Retail therapy: A strategic effort to improve mood. Psychology & Marketing, 28(6), 638–659. https://doi.org/10.1002/mar.20404
- Moawad, H. (2020, November 14). Shopping and the brain. Neurology live. https://www.neurologylive.com/view/shopping-and-brain
- Rick, S. I., Pereira, B., & Burson, K. A. (2014). The benefits of retail therapy: Making purchase decisions reduces residual sadness. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 24(3), 373–380. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcps.2013.12.004
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