Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale (BSAS)
The BSAS is a scientifically validated self‑report questionnaire designed to assess shopping addiction—sometimes referred to as compulsive buying disorder. It operates within the framework of behavioural addiction, covering seven core addiction symptoms: salience (preoccupation), mood modification, tolerance, withdrawal, conflict, relapse, and problems.
Originally developed from a larger 28‑item questionnaire, the final BSAS includes 7 items, each measuring one addiction criterion, with respondents rating how much each statement applied in the past year on a five-point scale. Studies highlight its strong psychometric properties—such as high reliability (α ≈ 0.87), strong factor structure (CFI/TLI ≈ 0.98), and solid correlation with related measures of compulsive buying, emotional distress (anxiety, depression), and low self-esteem.
A common cut-off score (especially from research using the longer 28‑item version) is around 23 out of 28, indicating a high risk of problematic shopping behaviour.
Why use the BSAS?
- For self‑assessment: Helps individuals reflect on their shopping habits and recognize whether they might be problematic.
- For professionals: Offers therapists and counsellors a reliable tool to screen for shopping addiction and guide further evaluation or treatment options such as cognitive-behavioural therapy.
🧩 Ready to take the test?
You can take the Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale online and free of charge via Psychology Tools:
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