Using photo-elicitation and interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore possessions as links to self-concept and the identities of others in hoarding disorder.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to explore the importance of possessions as extensions of self-concept and connections to significant others for people that hoard.


DESIGN
A total of 10 participants were recruited through hoarding group treatment programmes. Participants photographed significant possessions in their home and discussed these in semi-structured interviews.


RESULTS
Analysis of transcripts using interpretative phenomenological analysis revealed three interrelated superordinate themes: (1) time travels with you; (2) possessions are me, they're a reflection of my life; and (3) they're linked: I look at them and I think of people. Challenging early life factors were the source of significant self-uncertainty. Possessions were often touchstones of self-confidence and reminders of both positive and negative relationships.


CONCLUSIONS
The results highlight the many dimensions of possessions' links to both self-concept and the identities of others, providing a distinct contribution to the hoarding literature. Implications for future research and treatment are discussed.


PRACTITIONER POINTS
Problematic attachments to items may be formed as a compensatory response to challenging early life experiences. Possessions may reflect self-confidence, uniqueness, and be perceived to be physical extensions of who people that hoard are. Belongings can be reminders of interpersonal relationships for people that hoard.
['Kings|Christopher A|CA|0000-0002-5644-4511', 'Knight|Tess|T|0000-0002-9231-9582', 'Moulding|Richard|R|0000-0001-7779-3166']
D000368:Aged D005260:Female D000067836:Hoarding Disorder D006801:Humans D007407:Interviews as Topic D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D009769:Object Attachment D010781:Photography D036301:Qualitative Research D012649:Self Concept
hoarding object attachment self concept