The Atlantic is renown for the quality of their reportage. This article, using clickable links, pulls together information from various recent studies. Brian Fung looks into the issue of whether one can be “addicted” to shopping. He notes the similarity between drug addicts and shopping addicts while each is involved in their addictions. Both groups are chasing a dopamine release in their brains. Surveys find that five to fifteen percent of the population identify themselves as being compulsive shoppers. Mr. Fung answers questions about buying patterns and how to avoid emotionally-triggered shopping. He puts together an excellent exploration of the subject.
Read the rest of the article here: ‘Addicted’ to Shopping?
Carrie Rattle is a Principal at BehavioralCents.com, a website for women focused on mind and money behaviors. She has worked in the financial services industry for 20+ years and hopes to inspire women to better prepare themselves for financial independence.