Introduction
The Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale (BSAS) is an assessment tool developed to evaluate the behaviors associated with compulsive buying and the possibility of shopping addiction. It comprises a set of statements to which respondents are asked to gauge their agreement or disagreement, aiming to illuminate the patterns and frequencies of shopping behavior that may suggest an addiction. By quantifying these behaviors, the BSAS provides a structured approach to understanding how shopping habits might deviate from the norm and potentially impact an individual's life.
Designed for both self-assessment and professional use, the BSAS offers insight into the psychological drivers behind shopping habits. This scale is particularly useful for therapists, counselors, and researchers interested in the dynamics of consumer behavior and addiction. For individuals, it can serve as a reflective tool to examine their own shopping behaviors, offering a starting point for recognizing when such activities may become problematic. For professionals, it offers a methodical way to identify those who may benefit from further psychological support or interventions tailored to compulsive shopping behaviors.
In applying the BSAS, the goal is not only to identify excessive shopping tendencies but also to understand the broader implications of such behavior on personal, financial, and social well-being. It encourages a deeper exploration into the motivations behind compulsive buying, such as emotional regulation or identity seeking, and how these motivations contribute to the development of addictive patterns. The scale's structured format allows for consistent application and comparison across different populations, making it a valuable instrument in the broader field of psychological assessment and intervention for shopping addiction.
Instructions
For each item, tick the response alternative (ranging from “completely disagree” to “completely agree”) that best describes you. The statements relate to your thoughts, feelings and actions in the last 12 months.
Sources
- CS Andreassen, MD Griffiths, S Pallesen, RM Bilder, T Torsheim, E Aboujaoude. The Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale: reliability and validity of a brief screening test. 17(6): Front Psychol 1374 ().