Shopping addiction and its relationship with personality traits and social functioning

This study examines the complex interplay between shopping addiction, personality traits, and social dynamics, with particular emphasis on how the ease and availability of online shopping have intensified compulsive purchasing behaviours. The research affirms that shopping addiction is a legitimate behavioural disorder, often co-occurring with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. Key findings suggest that certain personality traits-such as neuroticism, impulsiveness, and low self-esteem-are linked to a greater vulnerability to shopping addiction, while traits like conscientiousness may serve as a buffer. Additionally, the study demonstrates that shopping addiction can lead to social isolation, conflicts in relationships, and increased social anxiety, highlighting its significant impact on social well-being. The influence of online shopping-driven by convenience, targeted marketing, and fear of missing out-is identified as a major contributor to impulsive buying tendencies. Finally, the research underscores the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) in managing shopping addiction and stresses the importance of raising awareness, promoting early intervention, and implementing robust prevention and treatment measures to address the far-reaching effects of this growing issue.