Researchers in Singapore investigated what motivates hoarders personally. Their study of the lived experiences of hoarders reveals the main attractions are aesthetic appeal, utility, and strong emotional attachment. We find this approach interesting, as it deviates from the usual objective approach.
The researchers obtained their data from a small group of 12 hoarders, with a mean age of 57 who agreed to assist. All of them were receiving some kind of therapy. Nine interconnecting themes emerged during semi-structured interviews. These areas of convergence included:
- (1) Types of hoarded items, (2) sources of hoarded items, (3) ways of keeping hoarded things.
- (4) Help‐seeking/ treatment contact, (5) reasons for hoarding, (6) experiences with decluttering.
- (7) Impact upon family, community and self, (8) restricting hoarding behaviours, and (9) insights obtained.
Hoarders Have Been Around a Long Time
Hoarding goes back a long time, as buried Saxon hoards that amateur treasure hunters stumble over from to time confirm. We can probably safely assume their owners believed their collections had a future purpose. Dante condemned “hoarders and wasters to the fourth circle of hell” in his Inferno.
However, nowadays we regard hoarding as a tendency to acquire an excessive quantity of items, that the hoarder has difficulty discarding. Psychologists label this a syndrome, because this is not something a modern hoarder consciously chooses to do.
How the Study Probed the Experiences
The researchers began by examining earlier research that included a study of the lived experiences of hoarders. Next, they developed an interview guide based on this information, plus input from community carers. The interviews lasted for one to one-and-a half hours, using questions in the following areas as prompts:
- When did the person being interviewed first remember hoarding?
- Which objects did they collect, and what were the triggers behind this?
- Why did they hoard these particular things. Did they try decluttering?
The interviewers did their best to focus on the subject’s own interests, concerns and experiences. They took their time, as they encouraged the participants to express their thoughts and feelings regarding their hoarding behaviour. However, only three of the hoarders agreed to the interview actually taking place in their own home.
The Study of Lived Experiences
The conversations followed the three main themes, although they flowed to allow other thoughts to emerge naturally. The researchers identified what was most relevant to the hoarder, based on frequency and intensity as mentioned.
The team then met together to combine these themes. This helped to identify what was most important, at this stage in their study of the lived experiences of hoarders. At the end of the day they were able to comment meaningfully on six related topics:
1. Types of Hoarded Items
Seven of the hoarders hoarded clothes, two hoarded animals, and the remainder hoarded newspapers. Other items they mentioned included cartons, drink cans, plastic bags, receipts, toys, and so on.
2. Sources of Hoarded Items
Most items came from rubbish bins, open areas surrounding buildings, and gifts from friends, neighbours, and strangers. However, three of the participants also purchased them with their own money.
3. Ways of Storing / Arranging
Most of the participants kept their hoards in cupboards, on kitchen tops or tables, or in unorganized clusters that obstructed movement. But two of them were different. They arranged their collections in an organized manner.
4. Seeking Help Or a Treatment Contact
Only two participants sought help themselves. Family members referred most of those interviewed for treatment, although multi‐disciplinary service providers in the community also assisted.
5. Reasons for Hoarding
Six distinctive themes emerged as common reasons for hoarding. These were:
- (1) Relationships with items, (2) dealing with an uncertain future, (3) avoiding wastage.
- (4) difficulty discarding (5) the role of family members, and (6) significant events.
The survey participants variously described their objects as ‘providers of companionship, mementos, beautiful cherished collections, and gifts for future generations’.
6. Life Events As Hoarding Triggers
Some of the hoarders regarded their collections as providing comfort after a traumatic event. Examples included relationships breaking down with family, friends, and neighbours, and the impact of hoarding on themselves.
Wrapping Up, Moving Forward With This Topic
This is a remarkable qualitative study of the lived experiences of hoarders, and is unique in places. It sets aside some preconceptions, and opens avenues to further investigation. Hoarding began at various life stages in the case of the 12 subjects, from 43 through to 75 years of age.
The in-depth interviews allowed participants time to open up, and share their innermost values. They seemed proud of what they did, as if it added value to their lives. Despite this, they acknowledged the downsides of chaotic living, and breakdowns in relationships with families and friends.
Remember us at Avery Associates if you have a home that needs clearing, perhaps to start again or because it is standing vacant. We provide a discreet, professional service. If we find anything interesting or valuable, you will be the first to know.
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