Ace the Chemical Dependency Counselor Exam 2026 – Empower Change and Rock Your Career!

Materialism is considered a key factor in shopping addiction because it reflects an individual's strong association of self-worth and happiness with the acquisition of goods. Individuals who struggle with shopping addiction often believe that owning more or more expensive items will enhance their status, fulfill emotional gaps, or provide a sense of identity. This belief can drive compulsive shopping behaviors, leading to financial problems and emotional distress, forming a cycle where the person continues to shop in search of fulfillment that ultimately remains unachieved.

In contrast, while impulse control is indeed involved in shopping addiction, it is more of a mechanism that can either exacerbate or mitigate the behavior rather than a foundational cause. Social acceptance plays a role in how people perceive their shopping habits but is not the driving force behind the addiction itself. Emotional support is crucial for recovery from any addiction, including shopping, but it does not directly contribute to the addiction's development. Thus, materialism most accurately encapsulates the underlying motivations that fuel shopping addiction.