An examination of excessive acquisition in hoarding disorder

Although much has been written about hoarding recently, excessive acquisition in hoarding has remained relatively unexplored. The present study examined the types and role of acquisition and acquisition avoidance in hoarding. Of the 852 people who identified themselves as having problems with hoarding and volunteered for an internet study, 526 completed principle study measures, and 369 of these met criteria for clinically significant hoarding. In addition, 469 family and friend informants completed measures about a hoarding loved one. Sixty percent of those who met criteria for hoarding also met criteria for excessive acquisition. Of the remainder, nearly 70% reported acquiring problems in the past. Overall, 88% of hoarding participants had problems with acquisition currently or in the past. Ninety-two percent of informants reported moderate or greater levels of acquisition on the part of their hoarding family member or friend. Comparisons of current, past, and non-acquirers indicated differences with respect to hoarding severity and associated features (e.g., cognitive failures, self-control, perfectionism). Further, a substantial number in all three groups reported avoidance of acquisition-related cues. Only a few cases reported stealing behavior. Inhibited self-control emerged as a significant predictor of excessive buying, while cognitive failures predicted both buying and free acquisition. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.