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Can a new pair of shoes or a pleasure purchase really give you morale and a bit of confidence in the short or medium term? The answer is yes, but only under certain conditions. A psychologist explains it.
Faced with a hard day or a complicated week, some confide in a loved one, others rush for food, but still others go shopping. Shopping therapy, a popular invention, claims that going to buy one (or two or three) “pleasure” items can bring comfort to our hearts. But how true is this statement?
Although “shopping therapy” is not actually a formal psychological intervention (you will rarely be prescribed to go buy a new bag!) it appears that for many it provides momentary relief from depression and anxiety. anxiety. Research shows that going shopping can help improve a person’s mood… in the moment. And this for several reasons (take out something to note!):
- Short-term happiness : Research suggests that making a purchase can temporarily improve mood. This is partly due to the excitement and satisfaction that comes from acquiring something new;
- Improved emotional regulation : Shopping can help regulate emotions by serving as a distraction from stress or negative feelings. It can offer a temporary escape and way to cope with difficult emotions;
- Personal expression of identity : Shopping allows people to express their unique identities through the items they choose to purchase. The items we buy often reflect our tastes and values, which can be rewarding and satisfying;
- Better self-esteem : Finding something that matches your personal style or interests can boost self-esteem. This feeling of self-affirmation can improve overall mood and confidence;
- Control of choices : Shopping therapy can provide a sense of control and empowerment, especially when individuals feel powerless. Making decisions about what to buy, when and how gives a sense of control over one’s environment;
- A feeling of success : Completing a purchase, whether it’s finding the perfect item or scoring a great deal, can bring a small sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
- Stronger social bonds : Shopping with friends or family can strengthen relationships and improve social connections. The shared experience of shopping and discussion of potential purchases can promote bonding and social well-being.
However, shopping, as nice as it may be, cannot be the only answer to a problem of low morale or anxiety. First of all…because of the cost. So shopping to do good does not mean robbing stores, at the risk of causing another stress, that of your finances. Even more so if some of your anxiety is related in part to money issues.
“It is possible to avoid this outcome by making a plan in advance regarding how much you can afford to spend. Additionally, make the extra effort to make a list of purchases that would have the most impact on your your mood”, advises the psychologist.
Importantly, buying something isn’t the only way to improve your mood. For Forrest Talley, other actions can also impact longer-term satisfaction: “Consider donating the money to charity instead; altruistic acts can also have a significant positive impact on mood. Or, instead of spending money on things, consider spending money on an experience.” This could be spending a night on vacation, going to a concert with a friend, dining at a restaurant you otherwise wouldn’t have spent money on, etc.
To know how best to gauge, the psychologist concludes with a telling image: “Think of it like having a drink after a stressful day at work: it may relax you and provide temporary relief, but if you go too far, it will create a financial hangover that will leave you reeling“.
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