Nudging society toward more adaptive approaches to material possessions: Harnessing implicit approaches to reduce overconsumption and excessive saving

Abstract

Hoarding disorder (HD) represents a growing public health burden. Although excessive saving is the cardinal feature of this disorder, hoarding is also typically characterised by excessive acquisition of objects, either passively or actively. HD and a related clinical condition, compulsive buying-shopping disorder, are particularly challenging to prevent and treat within the context of consumer society, which is marked by growing acquiring tendencies. Implicit approaches, including nudges, present an intriguing and potentially fruitful avenue to help address impulsive and excessive acquisition of possessions. In this brief review, we provide an overview of research on using nudges, boosts, and other implicit approaches to influence decision-making about possessions. We consider both general population-level approaches, as well as more targeted nudge strategies. We conclude by proposing opportunities for future research to address impulsive acquiring. General and targeted approaches may help to reduce societal and environmental impacts of consumerism, while simultaneously making a small but meaningful impact in the lives of HD patients and those at risk for developing the disorder.