Podcast Summary: Psicología Al Desnudo – “¿Por qué nada me alcanza?”

Host: Psi Mammoliti (Marina Mammoliti)
Date: January 15, 2026
Theme: An in-depth psychological exploration of compulsive shopping (oniomanía), its causes, how it manifests, and practical tools to address it.

Episode Overview

In this episode, Marina Mammoliti dives into the psychology behind the feeling that “nothing is ever enough,” focusing on shopping addiction (compulsive buying or “oniomanía”). Through an accessible and empathic tone, she explains how this behavioral addiction develops, the emotional voids it covers, and provides actionable guidance for listeners to understand and manage these compulsive urges. The episode aims to destigmatize the issue, offer self-assessment tools, and empower individuals to seek help if needed.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. What Is Oniomanía? (Addiction to Shopping) — [00:43]

• Definition: An uncontrollable urge to buy with no real need for the purchased product; more than just enjoying shopping.
• Positioned as one of the fastest-growing behavioral addictions of recent years.
• Quote:

  “No, no es solo que les gusta comprarse cosas... Ya no compran para disfrutar, sino para calmar un vacío.”
  — Psi Mammoliti [00:48]

• Clarifies difference between healthy enjoyment of shopping and compulsion.

2. How Did We Get Here? — Brief History — [02:00]

• Past vs. Present:
  • In the Middle Ages, shopping was purely for necessity.
  • Modern times: Shopping tied to pleasure, status, identity, and immediate dopamine hits.
  • The urge to buy became deeply interwoven with emotional fulfillment and social signaling.
• The accessibility and omnipresence of shopping in the digital age increase the risk and ease of falling into problematic patterns.

3. Neurobiology and the Cycle of Addiction — [04:52]

• Dopamine System:
  • Shopping releases dopamine (“un shot de felicidad”).
  • In addiction, the brain’s reward system becomes hypersensitive; more frequent buying is needed for the same pleasure.
  • Other pleasures lose value; the act of buying becomes a primary source of relief, despite consequences.
• Quote:

  “Pasa a todos ahora en las personas con adicción a las compras, ese sistemita se vuelve hipersensible.”
  — Psi Mammoliti [06:05]

4. Societal Pressures and Triggers — [08:40]

• Marketing & Accessibility:
  • Marketing and the digital environment make shopping available 24/7.
  • Special dates (Black Friday, Cyber Monday) encourage overconsumption.
• Triggers are unavoidable and relentless in modern life.

5. Psychological Roots: What’s Behind the Urge? — [10:22]

• Emotional Avoidance:
  • Difficulty managing negative emotions (sadness, anxiety, anger).
  • Shopping as a quick fix to soothe discomfort.
• Self-Esteem Issues:
  • Seeking external validation through possessions.
  • “Si tengo ese auto/campera, entonces valgo más.”
• Need for Control:
  • Buying gives a feeling of control in situations where one feels powerless.
  • Example: Client purchases after a relationship crisis.
• Desire for Belonging:
  • Social belonging tied to having fashionable or trending items.
• Quote:

  “El problema aparece cuando necesitas tener todo eso para sentir que valés.”
  — Psi Mammoliti [15:01]

6. Warning Signs: How to Recognize Shopping Addiction — [17:28]

Summarized via nine scientific criteria. If two or more are met in the past 12 months, there may be a problem.

• 1. Dangerous Use: Sacrificing basic needs or causing debt.
• 2. Relationship Problems: Social withdrawal, conflicts over finances.
• 3. Failure of Obligations: Neglecting responsibilities/work/studies due to buying.
• 4. Withdrawal Symptoms: Anxiety, irritability, or emptiness when not buying.
• 5. Tolerance: Needing to buy more to achieve same satisfaction.
• 6. Failed Attempts to Stop: Unsuccessful efforts to control behavior.
• 7. Excessive Time Spent: Hours spent shopping, browsing, or planning purchases.
• 8. Life Impact: Replacing meaningful activities with shopping.
• 9. Continuing Despite Harm: Ongoing buying despite increasing debt and consequences.

7. Self-Assessment and Reflection — [22:22]

• Introduces the Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale test (linked in episode description).
• Caution: The test is for self-awareness, not a diagnosis.

8. The Reality of Compulsive Shopping — [23:42]

• It’s not just “overspending” or a “lack of willpower”—it is a source of real suffering.
• Professional help is often necessary for meaningful change.

9. Practical Tools and Steps — [25:15]

1. Pause and Emotional Scan

• Before any purchase: “¿Cómo me estoy sintiendo en este momento?”
• Ask yourself whether anxiety or stress is guiding the impulse.

2. Delay the Purchase

• Wait before buying—if you need it, you’ll still want it later.
• Consult someone with sound financial judgment.

3. Remove Easy Access

• Consider eliminating credit cards.
• Delete shopping apps; avoid carrying extra money if possible.
• Don’t browse stores (online or offline) when feeling low.

4. Seek Help if Needed

• If unable to control spending, talk to trusted people or seek therapy.

• Recognize vulnerability and the need for support is not weakness.

• Memorable Moment & Quote:

  “Podés llenar tu placar de bolsos y de ropa, pero ese vacío en el pecho va a seguir estando... La compra pasa, pero la emoción se queda.”
  — Psi Mammoliti [29:02]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Pleasure vs. Addiction

  “A la mayoría de nosotros nos genera placer comprar algo que queremos... El problema está en hacerlo repetitivamente, de manera compulsiva, sin tener control.”
  — Psi Mammoliti [03:45]

• On Social Belonging

  “No hay nada más triste que darte cuenta que estás en un grupo donde lo que más importa es lo que tenés.”
  — Psi Mammoliti [16:21]

• On Facing Vulnerability

  “Asumir que algo se nos va de control no es fácil, porque implica mostrarnos vulnerables...”
  — Psi Mammoliti [27:41]

• On Hope and Help

  “Sé que a veces sentís que esto es más fuerte que vos... pero se puede salir, se puede pedir ayuda.”
  — Psi Mammoliti [30:42]

Practical Segment Timestamps

• What is compulsive shopping? – [00:43]
• Shopping through history & the rise of consumerism – [02:00]
• Neurobiology & dopamine – [04:52]
• Societal triggers – [08:40]
• Emotional roots & case examples – [10:22]
• Criteria for addiction – [17:28]
• Self-test introduction – [22:22]
• Practical tools & steps – [25:15]
• Memorable conclusion on emotional longing – [29:02]
• Final encouragement to seek help – [30:42]

Tone and Final Message

Throughout, Marina Mammoliti delivers her insights with empathy, clarity, and a practical focus, encouraging self-compassion and responsible self-assessment. She destigmatizes shopping addiction and emphasizes that emotional management is a learnable skill, ending with a hopeful invitation to take the first step toward change.

Final Reflection:

“La felicidad no se puede comprar y del dolor no se escapa. Entender eso nos libera, nos devuelve poder.”
— Psi Mammoliti [31:16]