Shopping

Question 1

Pros cognitive

Answer 1

useful explanation of shopping addiction because it suggests that if problems are relieved (reduce stress/anxiety) then the addiction should improve.

• Studies support the link between early childhood trauma and compulsive shopping. This makes it a valid explanation of shopping addiction.

• Evidence to link compulsive shopping with mental disorders (anxiety & depression). This makes it a valid explanation of shopping addiction.

Question 2

Cons cognitive

Answer 2

It does not determine cause or effect – we do not know whether anxiety/need for excitement has caused the shopping addiction or whether it is a consequence of the addiction.

• Often with behavioural addictions, we infer the cause of the addiction from observation of behaviour, however cognitions are not observable which lowers the validity of the approach.

Question 3

Pros learning

Answer 3

There are a number of effective treatments based on the learning approach e.g. aversion therapy can be used for psychological and physiological addictions and is effective in the short term.

• Conditioning does not require free will and explains how addiction can be maintained even when the addict knows the harm it is causing them.
• Studies show that shoppers have a more positive attitude towards good endorsed by celebrities.

Question 4

Cons learning

Answer 4

The learning approach cannot explain why some people are more susceptible to addiction than others, even when surrounded by the same cues and role models. The Cognitive or biological model better explain individual differences e.g. anxiety or an addictive personality.

• The learning approach is too simplistic as it does not consider cognitive or biological factors in addiction e.g. it might be that individual has an addictive personality or is self- medicating with behaviour due to boredom.

• The learning approach does not take into account free will as it suggests that an individual will just repeat any actions that they are rewarded for.