The Difference Between Impulsive and Compulsive Shopping

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Impulsive Shopping?What Is Compulsive Shopping?CausesImportant DifferencesHow to Cope

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

What Is Impulsive Shopping?

What Is Compulsive Shopping?

Causes

Important Differences

How to Cope

Impulsive buying and compulsive shopping are both shopping behaviors that can lead to feelings of regret and financial difficulties. While the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably, they are not the same, and important distinctions exist between them.

This article discusses the definitions of impulsive and compulsive shopping and the signs of each behavior. It also covers what causes these problems and the steps people can take to manage their shopping.

Sometimes, these impulsive purchases can be pretty harmless if they are within a person’s budget. Unfortunately, impulsive buying can also result in costly spending sprees that can wreak havoc on their finances.

Signs of Impulsive Shopping

Impulsive shopping is something that happens to most people on occasion. Some signs of impulse shopping:

Research suggests that impulsive shopping increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Feelings of stress and anxiety combined with more time at home may have contributed.This demonstrates how people often use shopping to cope with emotions, relieve distress, and improve mood.

Unlike impulsive buying,compulsive buying behavior (CBB)involves more than just shopping and spending more than intended on a whim. It involves a compulsive need to buy items, many of which arenotnecessary or needed. People who engage in compulsive shopping do so to improve their mood, self-image, social approval, and stress levels.

Compulsive shopping often produces powerful feelings of shame, guilt, and remorse. People who shop compulsively are also prone to financial, legal, and relationship problems because of overspending.

While not recognized as a distinct condition in the “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders” (DSM-5-TR), the tool healthcare providers utilize to diagnose mental health conditions, many experts believe that compulsive shopping is a form ofbehavioral addiction.

While estimates vary, some research indicates that between 5% and 8% of the U.S. population may engage in compulsive buying behavior. It often begins in the late teens or early twenties and may affect more women than men.It is relatively common for people who have CBB to also experience mood, anxiety, substance use, and personality disorders.

While estimates vary, some research indicates that between 5% and 8% of the U.S. population may engage in compulsive buying behavior. It often begins in the late teens or early twenties and may affect more women than men.

It is relatively common for people who have CBB to also experience mood, anxiety, substance use, and personality disorders.

Signs of Compulsive Shopping

Because shopping is an activity that everyone must do to some extent, it can be difficult to tell when shopping has crossed the line into compulsive buying. Many people love to shop and even spend more than they should, but this does not necessarily mean that they engage in compulsive shopping behavior.

Some of the critical signs of compulsive shopping include:

What Is a Shopping Addiction?

Causes of Impulsive and Compulsive Shopping

Impulsive buying and compulsive shopping often stem from the pleasurable feelings that people get when they make purchases, planned or unplanned. It feels great to purchase something you need or desire, especially if you find a bargain.

Additionally, the act of shopping releasesendorphinsanddopaminein the brain, creating pleasurable sensations. This can cause people to feel compelled to engage in the same behaviors to re-experience those feelings.

Some reasons people make impulsive or compulsive purchases:

Recap

Impulsive vs. Compulsive Shopping

The critical distinction between impulsive purchases and compulsive buying behavior lies in theintrinsic versus extrinsic motivation, or reason, for making purchases.While impulse buying is largely unplanned and happens in reaction to an external trigger—such as seeing a desired item in a shop—compulsive shopping is more complex and involves planning.

A person who engages in compulsive shopping will plan the shopping experience as a way to avoid or relieve uncomfortable internal feelings, such as anxiety. There are four stages to a compulsive buying behavior:Anticipation- In this stage, a person becomes preoccupied with thoughts and urges toward buying somethingPreparation- In this stage, a person starts to think about where they will make their purchase, what source of finances they will use (cash, bank card, specific credit card, etc.), and even what they will wear if they go out into the market.Shopping- This stage involves the actual experience of shopping, which can produce feelings of pleasure and excitementSpending- After the purchase is made and the money is spent, people often feel a sense of guilt, disappointment, or let down

A person who engages in compulsive shopping will plan the shopping experience as a way to avoid or relieve uncomfortable internal feelings, such as anxiety. There are four stages to a compulsive buying behavior:

Compulsive shopping is also more likely to lead to negative consequences than impulse shopping. Such effects may include financial difficulties, arguments with family members, and work-related problems.

People who engage in compulsive buying behavior are also more likely to fall into a pattern of addictive behavior. They shop more and more in an attempt to stave off stress and anxiety. This is how a shopping addiction develops.

What to do if You Think You are a Shopaholic

How to Reduce Impulsive and Compulsive Shopping

Everyone experiences impulse buying from time to time. Compulsive shopping can be more serious and may require the help of a therapist to manage the underlying emotions that contribute to the behavior.

If you feel your shopping behavior is causing problems in your life, you can use some self-help strategies to get it under control.

While there is no cure for compulsive shopping, many people who engage in this behavior can regain a sense of control and improve their finances and relationships. Maintaining progress is essential since shopping is part of everyday life and cannot be avoided. Because the temptation is always present, people need to develop coping skills that help them manage their urge to shop excessively.

Healthy Coping Skills

Dealing with compulsive shopping often requires a multidisciplinary approach involvingprofessional therapy, medication when indicated, and peer support. A combination ofcognitive behavior therapyandantidepressantshas the best outcomes.Talking to a financial advisor may also be beneficial.

RecapActions such as setting a budget, paying with cash, and instituting a waiting period are tactics that can help reduce impulsive spending. People experiencing compulsive spending would also benefit from talking to a healthcare provider and financial advisor.

Actions such as setting a budget, paying with cash, and instituting a waiting period are tactics that can help reduce impulsive spending. People experiencing compulsive spending would also benefit from talking to a healthcare provider and financial advisor.

Final Thoughts

Being able to recognize the differences between impulsive and compulsive shopping is essential. While most people make impulsive buys sometimes, regular compulsive shopping is a sign of a more serious issue.

While dealing with shopping issues can be challenging, there are steps that you can take. If you need help, talking to a healthcare provider and consulting with a financial expert can help get your life and finances back on track.

Online Addiction Counseling

8 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wang S, Liu Y, Du Y, Wang X.Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumers' impulse buying: The moderating role of moderate thinking.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(21):11116. doi:10.3390/ijerph182111116Granero R, Fernández-Aranda F, Mestre-Bach G, et al.Compulsive buying behavior: Clinical comparison with other behavioral addictions.Front Psychol. 2016;7:914. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00914American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR); 2022. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787Black DW.A review of compulsive buying disorder.World Psychiatry. 2007;6(1):14-18.Black DW.Compulsive shopping: A review and update.Current Opinion in Psychology. 2022;46:101321. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101321Faber R.Part 3: Consumer behavior: Impulsive and compulsive buying. In: Sheth J, Malhotra N, eds.Wiley International Encyclopedia of Marketing. 1st ed. Wiley; 2010. doi:10.1002/9781444316568.wiem03007Müller A, Brand M, Claes L, et al.Buying-shopping disorder-Is there enough evidence to support its inclusion in ICD-11?CNS Spectr. 2019;24(4):374-379. doi:10.1017/S1092852918001323Vasiliu O.Therapeutic management of buying/shopping disorder: A systematic literature review and evidence-based recommendations.Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:1047280. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1047280

8 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Wang S, Liu Y, Du Y, Wang X.Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumers' impulse buying: The moderating role of moderate thinking.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(21):11116. doi:10.3390/ijerph182111116Granero R, Fernández-Aranda F, Mestre-Bach G, et al.Compulsive buying behavior: Clinical comparison with other behavioral addictions.Front Psychol. 2016;7:914. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00914American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR); 2022. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787Black DW.A review of compulsive buying disorder.World Psychiatry. 2007;6(1):14-18.Black DW.Compulsive shopping: A review and update.Current Opinion in Psychology. 2022;46:101321. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101321Faber R.Part 3: Consumer behavior: Impulsive and compulsive buying. In: Sheth J, Malhotra N, eds.Wiley International Encyclopedia of Marketing. 1st ed. Wiley; 2010. doi:10.1002/9781444316568.wiem03007Müller A, Brand M, Claes L, et al.Buying-shopping disorder-Is there enough evidence to support its inclusion in ICD-11?CNS Spectr. 2019;24(4):374-379. doi:10.1017/S1092852918001323Vasiliu O.Therapeutic management of buying/shopping disorder: A systematic literature review and evidence-based recommendations.Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:1047280. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1047280

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Wang S, Liu Y, Du Y, Wang X.Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumers' impulse buying: The moderating role of moderate thinking.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(21):11116. doi:10.3390/ijerph182111116Granero R, Fernández-Aranda F, Mestre-Bach G, et al.Compulsive buying behavior: Clinical comparison with other behavioral addictions.Front Psychol. 2016;7:914. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00914American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR); 2022. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787Black DW.A review of compulsive buying disorder.World Psychiatry. 2007;6(1):14-18.Black DW.Compulsive shopping: A review and update.Current Opinion in Psychology. 2022;46:101321. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101321Faber R.Part 3: Consumer behavior: Impulsive and compulsive buying. In: Sheth J, Malhotra N, eds.Wiley International Encyclopedia of Marketing. 1st ed. Wiley; 2010. doi:10.1002/9781444316568.wiem03007Müller A, Brand M, Claes L, et al.Buying-shopping disorder-Is there enough evidence to support its inclusion in ICD-11?CNS Spectr. 2019;24(4):374-379. doi:10.1017/S1092852918001323Vasiliu O.Therapeutic management of buying/shopping disorder: A systematic literature review and evidence-based recommendations.Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:1047280. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1047280

Wang S, Liu Y, Du Y, Wang X.Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumers' impulse buying: The moderating role of moderate thinking.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(21):11116. doi:10.3390/ijerph182111116

Granero R, Fernández-Aranda F, Mestre-Bach G, et al.Compulsive buying behavior: Clinical comparison with other behavioral addictions.Front Psychol. 2016;7:914. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00914

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, Text Revision (DSM-5-TR); 2022. doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787

Black DW.A review of compulsive buying disorder.World Psychiatry. 2007;6(1):14-18.

Black DW.Compulsive shopping: A review and update.Current Opinion in Psychology. 2022;46:101321. doi:10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101321

Faber R.Part 3: Consumer behavior: Impulsive and compulsive buying. In: Sheth J, Malhotra N, eds.Wiley International Encyclopedia of Marketing. 1st ed. Wiley; 2010. doi:10.1002/9781444316568.wiem03007

Müller A, Brand M, Claes L, et al.Buying-shopping disorder-Is there enough evidence to support its inclusion in ICD-11?CNS Spectr. 2019;24(4):374-379. doi:10.1017/S1092852918001323

Vasiliu O.Therapeutic management of buying/shopping disorder: A systematic literature review and evidence-based recommendations.Front Psychiatry. 2022;13:1047280. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1047280

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