The psychologist explained the transformation of shopaholism into addiction
Anastasia Cardiakos, a family psychologist and psychotherapist, explained how shopaholism becomes an addiction.
In an interview with Radio 1 on Monday, October 20, she noted that from a neurobiological point of view, shopaholism is a behavioral addiction similar to alcohol or drugs. It activates the brain's reward system: when shopping, dopamine is released, and over time, the brain requires a repetition of this sensation, which leads to compulsive spending.
She added that in such situations, the balance between "I want" and "must/must not" is disrupted in the direction of "I want," RT notes.
The expert explained that with shopaholism, the activity of the control center responsible for decision-making decreases, and emotions associated with fear and anxiety increase. Shopping becomes a way to drown out negative feelings, forming a vicious circle: anxiety — purchase — relief — a new surge of anxiety, writes 360.ru .
Addiction manifests itself in a loss of control, an increase in the priority of shopping over other interests, and continued shopping despite the negative consequences of debt and conflict. Often, it's not the thing that brings pleasure, but the process of choosing and waiting itself.
On October 17, Guli Bazarova, head of the Moscow School of Practical Psychology at the Moscow Institute of Psychoanalysis, told NSN that for many Russians, marketplaces have become not only a convenient way to shop, but also a way to escape loneliness and stress. However, without control, it can turn into addiction. The help of a specialist or the search for a healthy alternative helps to cope with it.
Earlier, psychologist Andrey Zberovsky spoke about the main causes of shopaholism. According to him, most often an excessive desire to make purchases indicates a person's childhood injuries or problems with his self-esteem.
All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
