What defines compulsive buying as a process addiction?

Compulsive buying is characterized as a process addiction primarily because it is significantly reinforced by societal messages and cultural norms that equate purchasing with success, happiness, and self-worth. This connection to societal expectations can lead individuals to engage in shopping as a means of coping with negative emotions or filling a void in their lives.

When societal messages constantly portray buying goods as a pathway to happiness, individuals may find themselves compelled to shop impulsively to achieve a perceived status or emotional satisfaction. This dynamic drives the compulsive behavior, making it a process addiction rather than a substance-based dependency.

In contrast, choices that suggest physical dependency, isolation from other addictions, or the notion that only wealthy individuals can exhibit problematic buying behavior overlook the broader psychological and social factors that contribute to compulsive buying. Compulsive buying can affect individuals across various socioeconomic backgrounds and often coexists with other behavioral or process addictions. Therefore, the core of compulsive buying as a process addiction lies in the reinforcement from societal standards and personal emotional responses.