Why Do We Collect Things?
Collecting is a hobby that many people enjoy, whether it’s coins, stamps, antiques, or even comic books. It’s natural to be curious about the reasons why some people seek out to build impressive collections of things. Collecting can bring about a range of feelings and emotions, from happiness and a sense of purpose to stress and anxiety. Here, we explore the psychology behind why we collect things and what this behavior can tell us about ourselves.
The Benefits of Collecting
The main reason why many people collect things is due to the joy and pleasure it brings them and the pride they take in their collection. Some of the main benefits associated with collecting can include:
• Treasuring possessions: Whether it’s a collectible comic book or rare antique, owning a collection of valuable possessions can bring a sense of pride and admiration of one’s own accomplishments.
• Creating a sense of purpose: Collecting can help bring a sense of purpose and accomplishment to many people, as it requires them to learn research and collect items that will later help to create their ultimate collection.
• Social bonding: Collecting can also be a great way to connect with others and help form social bonds, especially when people of similar interests come together to show off their collections.
• Fullfillment: Collecting can bring a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction to those who wish to build something meaningful and lasting.
• Passion: People often decide to collect items that represent their passions and interests. This makes collecting even more rewarding.
Psychological Reasons for Collecting
There are a number of psychological reasons why some people may find collecting interesting, such as:
• A sense of control: Collecting is a way to take control of one’s life. Through collecting, people have a sense of order and security, as they have a concrete goal they can work towards and something to strive for.
• Instant gratification: Collecting can bring instant gratification as soon as it is acquired, which can lead to a sense of achievement and happiness.
• Recreating the past: Some find comfort in collecting items from their past and revisiting childhood memories. Collecting helps bring these memories to life, reviving them and bringing back the feelings associated with them.
• Supporting a cause: Collecting can bring with it a sense of identity for some, as it supports a cause or ideal in which the person truly believes. It is an outward expression of that belief.
• Escapism: Collecting can be a way to escape reality and be immersed in something entirely different. It can provide a distraction from the stress and difficulties in life, and be a source of entertainment.
Psychological Reasons to Avoid Collecting
Though many people collect things to reap the psychological benefits listed above, there are some people who should avoid it. It can be very easy to become obsessed with collecting, which can become a bad habit. Obsessing over collections can lead to:
• Loss of money: It is important to remember that collecting can be very expensive. When buyers are in a competitive market and chasing rare items, they can end up spending far more money than they originally anticipated.
• Loss of control: People can become obsessed with collecting and forget about other important aspects of life. This can lead to them spending less time with friends or family and even missing obligations such as work or school deadlines because of their obsession.
• Stress: Going out and competing for rare items or attempting to complete a collection can become very stressful. Buyers can feel like their collection will never be complete, leading to frustration and sadness.
The reasons for collecting vary from person to person, but the most common reasons are related to the psychological benefits that it brings. Though collecting can be rewarding, it is important to remember that it can also become an obsession. Those who are prone to addiction may want to steer clear of collecting items, as it can have a negative impact on a person’s well-being. Knowing the potential psychological benefits and dangers associated with collecting can help individuals decide if it is something they should explore further.
