Why You Can’t Stop Buying That Useless Stuff: The Science Behind Compulsive Shopping

Saturday, January 4, 2025. This is for Junta and MG submitted for their consideration.

Now that the holiday season has ended, and the credit cards bills start to arrive, let’s talk a little about shopping.

For some, it’s a delightful weekend pastime, a way to unwind and add a little sparkle to life.

For others, it’s a slippery slope into financial chaos and late-night existential crises over yet another online order of novelty socks.

If you’ve ever found yourself drowning in packages and wondering, Why am I like this?, science might have an answer: your executive functioning may be to blame.

A recent study published in Applied Neuropsychology: Adult found that compulsive shopping—aka shopping addiction—is closely tied to impaired executive functioning.

Simply put, those who can’t resist the siren call of “Add to Cart” might struggle with their brain’s ability to pump the brakes.

Let’s dive into what this means, why it happens, and how you can (maybe) stop buying another inflatable unicorn pool float you definitely don’t need.

What Is Compulsive Shopping?

First, let’s clear up a misconception: compulsive shopping isn’t just splurging during a big sale or having a weakness for pumpkin spice everything.

It’s a behavioral disorder that goes beyond the occasional spending spree.

People with compulsive shopping tendencies feel an uncontrollable urge to shop excessively—often for items they don’t need—and usually as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or boredom.

While that shiny new gadget might give a temporary dopamine hit, the aftermath is less glamorous: guilt, financial woes, and sometimes, strained relationships. Think of compulsive shopping as the emotional hangover of retail therapy gone wild.

The Science Behind the Urge to Splurge

Compulsive shopping is deeply intertwined with something called executive functioning.

This fancy term refers to the brain’s prefrontal cortex doing its job—helping you plan, make decisions, and, most importantly, control your impulses. It’s the cognitive equivalent of the little angel on your shoulder whispering, “Do you really need another pair of black boots?”

In the study led by Tom Heffernan and his team, researchers found that people with a high tendency toward compulsive shopping struggled significantly with executive functioning.

Specifically, their inhibitory control—the ability to pause and think before acting—was, well, kind of broken. Instead of rationalizing purchases, compulsive shoppers are more likely to let their emotions and impulses take the wheel. And guess what? That wheel often leads straight to checkout.

How the Study Worked (And What It Found)

The study surveyed 205 young adults aged 18 to 48, using various psychological tools to measure compulsive shopping tendencies, executive functioning, and emotional health. Of the group, 42 participants were identified as compulsive shoppers (most were women).

Here’s what they found:

• Compulsive shoppers performed worse on all measures of executive functioning, including working memory and impulse control.

• The struggle with inhibitory control fully explained the connection between compulsive shopping and poor executive functioning.

• In plain English? Compulsive shoppers couldn’t resist the urge to buy, even when they knew it would lead to regret or financial strain.

As the researchers noted, these findings suggest that compulsive shopping isn’t just about loving a good deal—it’s a cognitive challenge.

The inability to regulate emotional responses to shopping or suppress impulsive buying behaviors keeps people stuck in the cycle of buy-regret-repeat.

Why This Matters (Besides Your Credit Card Balance)

Understanding the link between executive functioning and compulsive shopping could pave the way for better interventions.

For example, therapies that improve impulse control and emotional regulation—like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)—might help compulsive shoppers hit pause before their next unnecessary purchase.

The study also highlights the societal pressures that fuel compulsive shopping.

With constant ads, influencer culture, and the ever-tempting “Buy Now, Pay Later” buttons, it’s no wonder even the most disciplined shoppers feel the pull. Add in personal stressors or mental health struggles, and you’ve got the perfect storm for compulsive shopping behavior.

Takeaways for the Shopaholic in All of Us

While the study doesn’t offer a quick fix, it does give us a starting point for reflection. If you’re someone who struggles with compulsive shopping, consider these steps:

• Pause and Reflect: Before making a purchase, ask yourself if you’re buying out of need or emotion. Sleep on it before hitting “Buy Now.”

• Set Boundaries: Limit your exposure to shopping triggers. Unfollow accounts that tempt you, delete shopping apps, or set spending limits.

• Seek Support: Therapy can be a game-changer, especially if compulsive shopping is tied to deeper emotional challenges.

• Mind Your Brain: Activities that strengthen executive functioning—like mindfulness meditation or problem-solving exercises—can help you regain control over impulsive urges.

Final Thoughts: A Little Empathy Goes a Long Way

Let’s face it, we’ve all made a questionable purchase… or ten (looking hard at myself, an incorrigible, degenerate bibliophile, and the dozens of copies of autographed copies of whatever books I purchased online at 3 am). In other words, gentle reader, like Johnny Cash, I’m not singing to the damned… I’m singing with the damned. Been there. Done that. I curse you, eBay! LOL

For those of us dealing with compulsive shopping impulses , the struggle is real—and deeply tied to how their brain processes emotions and impulses.

The next time you find yourself eyeing something you don’t need, give yourself a moment to pause.

Remember, there’s no shame in seeking help or acknowledging that your brain might need a little extra support.

After all, the real treasure isn’t what’s in your cart—it’s the freedom to choose how to cull, curate and actualize your thoughtful preferences is what truly matters.

Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.

References
Heffernan, T., Hamilton, C., & Neave, N. (Year). Compulsive shopping behavior and executive dysfunction in young adults. Applied Neuropsychology: Adult.