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.