Problematic shopping and self-injurious behaviors in adolescents

Abstract

Background and aimsSelf-injurious behaviors (SIBs) and problematic shopping (PS) are both prevalent in adolescents. These behaviors have been proposed as behavioral addictions and linked to impulsivity (Imp) and sensation-seeking (SS). They are also associated with negative mental health and psychosocial measures. This study examined relationships between PS and SIB in adolescents. It also examined how PS and SIB relate to Imp and SS, and interactions between PS and SIB in relation to health/functioning measures.MethodsSurvey data from 2,624 Connecticut high-school students were evaluated using chi-square analyses. Next, logistic regression models were used to assess relationships between PS and measures of SIB. T-tests compared Imp and SS in adolescents with and without PS and SIB. Interaction analyses assessed effects of PS on relationships between SIB and health/functioning measures.ResultsAdolescents with PS had 3.43-fold higher odds of endorsing lifetime SIB than those without PS, and were more likely to exhibit severe SIB and disruption due to SIB. PS and SIB were associated with elevated Imp and SS. Interaction analyses revealed that in adolescents with PS, the relationships between SIB and substance use was weaker than in adolescents without PS. This suggests PS accounts for variance in relationships between SIB and substance use.Discussion and conclusionsPS is strongly related to SIB prevalence, severity, and impairment in adolescents, and weakens associations between SIB and substance use. PS should therefore be considered for prevention efforts for SIB. Further research should investigate mechanisms connecting PS and SIB and explore possible interventions targeting associated features like Imp and SS.

An exploratory study of problematic shopping and problematic video gaming in adolescents

“…PS was assessed as previously described [ 18 ]. Participants were asked six “yes” or “no” questions: (a) Have you ever tried to cut back on shopping?…”

“…PS is characterized by many of the core features of behavioral addictions, including preoccupation about shopping, poor control over urges to shop, exhilaration during shopping episodes, relief of rising tension or anxiety by shopping, and impairment due to shopping [ 14 – 17 ]. Like PVG, negative reinforcement, or shopping to relieve anxiety or tension, contributes to PS [ 2 , 18 ]. In addition to sharing features with other behavioral addictions, PS has been associated with addictive and impulse control disorders (ICDs) and related behaviors, such as substance-use disorders, kleptomania, gambling disorder, and repetitive self-injurious behaviors [ 16 – 19 ].…”

Prevalence of Suicidal Behavior and Associated Clinical Correlates in Patients with Behavioral Addictions

“…Behavioral addictions (also known as non-substance addictions) and other mental disorders such as affective, anxiety, and substance use disorders, as well as suicidal behavior may co-occur [ 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ]. While in the case of substance use disorders there is large literature on the risk of suicide depending on the substance consumed [ 20 ], in the case of behavioral addictions the available evidence is very uneven depending on the subtype of behavioral addiction.…”

“…Regarding buying–shopping disorder, a recent study described that problematic shopping and non-suicidal self-injury were associated with greater levels of impulsivity and sensation-seeking, although no association between suicidal behavior and problematic shopping were assessed [ 18 ].…”

“…Gaming disorder, gambling disorder, sex addiction, and buying–shopping disorder are characterized by a loss of control [ 18 , 50 ]. In the last three addictions, this symptomatology is accompanied with feelings of shame and guilt for the severe consequences of the behavior (financial difficulties, lies, and even criminal behavior), negative social perception of these addictive behaviors, and addictive behavior-related harm cause to relatives and friends [ 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 ].…”