Retail Therapy: The Science Behind Shopping for Happiness Reading Answers

Sep 24, 2025

Retail Therapy: The Science Behind Shopping for Happiness Reading Answers contains 13 questions and belongs to the assessment system of the IELTS General Reading test. Retail Therapy: The Science Behind Shopping for Happiness. Reading Answers must be answered within 20 minutes. In this IELTS reading section, question types include: Match each paragraph (A-G) with the correct heading and Use ONE WORD for each answer. Retail Therapy: The Science Behind Shopping for Happiness Reading Answers offers a comprehensive overview of Retail therapy, which, while boosting mood and offering social benefits, must be practiced mindfully to avoid financial stress and compulsive shopping habits. To practice similar reading tests, candidates can refer to the IELTS Reading Practice Test section.

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Topic:

A.Retail therapy refers to the practice of shopping to improve one’s mood or alleviate stress. Many people indulge in buying new clothes, gadgets, or other items as a way to feel better emotionally. Although often criticized as an impulsive or frivolous behavior, research suggests that retail therapy can have genuine psychological benefits when done in moderation.

B.Psychologists have studied how shopping affects mood and emotions. One study found that participants who made small purchases reported higher levels of happiness compared to those who did not shop at all. This positive effect was particularly strong when the purchases were for oneself rather than for others. The feeling of acquiring something new can stimulate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine—a chemical associated with pleasure.

C.However, retail therapy is not a cure-all for emotional problems. Experts warn that relying heavily on shopping to manage feelings can lead to compulsive buying disorder, a condition where individuals feel unable to control their shopping habits. This behavior often results in financial difficulties, increased stress, and feelings of guilt or regret.

D.The reasons why people engage in retail therapy vary. For some, shopping provides a sense of control during uncertain times. Others use it as a distraction from negative emotions such as loneliness or sadness. Seasonal sales and promotional offers can also trigger shopping sprees, making it harder to resist the temptation.

E.In addition to improving mood, retail therapy can serve social functions. Going shopping with friends or family can strengthen relationships and provide opportunities for social interaction. These experiences contribute to feelings of belonging and support, which are important for emotional well-being.

F.Cultural attitudes towards retail therapy differ across societies. In some cultures, shopping is viewed as a pleasurable pastime and a normal way to unwind. In others, it is often seen as wasteful or excessive. Media and advertising play significant roles in shaping perceptions by portraying shopping as a key to happiness and success.

G.To enjoy the benefits of retail therapy without negative consequences, experts recommend mindful shopping. This approach involves being aware of one’s emotions, setting budgets, and distinguishing between needs and wants. Mindful shoppers are more likely to make deliberate choices and avoid impulse purchases, leading to greater satisfaction and less regret.

Questions 14-20

Match each paragraph (A-G) with the correct heading (i-vii). Write the correct number (i-vii) for each paragraph.

LIST OF HEADINGS:

i. The psychological benefits of shopping

ii. Possible negative effects of retail therapy

ili. Social and cultural aspects of shopping

iv. Reasons why people shop to feel better

v. How to shop wisely to avoid regret

vi. Scientific studies on mood and buying

vii. Cultural attitudes and media influence

14. Paragraph A

Answer: i

Supporting statement: "Retail therapy refers to the practice of shopping to improve one’s mood or alleviate stress."

Keywords: practice of shopping, improve mood, alleviate stress

Keyword Location: Paragraph A, line 1

Explanation: Paragraph A explains the concept of retail therapy and highlights how it improves mood and reduces stress. This matches the heading "The psychological benefits of shopping."

15. Paragraph B

Answer: vi

Supporting statement: "Psychologists have studied how shopping affects mood and emotions. One study found that participants who made small purchases reported higher levels of happiness..."

Keywords: psychologists, studied, mood, emotions, study, purchases

Keyword Location: Paragraph B, lines 1–2

Explanation: Paragraph B presents research evidence showing that shopping increases happiness, fitting the heading "Scientific studies on mood and buying."

16. Paragraph C

Answer: ii

Supporting statement: "Experts warn that relying heavily on shopping to manage feelings can lead to compulsive buying disorder..."

Keywords: relying heavily, compulsive buying disorder, financial difficulties, regret

Keyword Location: Paragraph C, lines 1–2

Explanation: This paragraph highlights the risks of compulsive buying and negative impacts, which aligns with "Possible negative effects of retail therapy."

17. Paragraph D

Answer: iv

Supporting statement: "The reasons why people engage in retail therapy vary. For some, shopping provides a sense of control during uncertain times."

Keywords: reasons, engage, sense of control, distraction

Keyword Location: Paragraph D, line 1–2

Explanation: Paragraph D focuses on the different reasons behind shopping to improve mood, fitting the heading "Reasons why people shop to feel better."

18. Paragraph E

Answer: iii

Supporting statement: "Going shopping with friends or family can strengthen relationships and provide opportunities for social interaction."

Keywords: shopping with friends, strengthen relationships, social interaction

Keyword Location: Paragraph E, line 1–2

Explanation: This describes the social function of retail therapy, making "Social and cultural aspects of shopping" the best match.

19. Paragraph F

Answer: vii

Supporting statement: "Cultural attitudes towards retail therapy differ across societies... Media and advertising play significant roles in shaping perceptions."

Keywords: cultural attitudes, media, advertising, shaping perceptions

Keyword Location: Paragraph F, lines 1–3

Explanation: This paragraph discusses cultural and media influence on shopping, fitting "Cultural attitudes and media influence."

20. Paragraph G

Answer: v

Supporting statement: "To enjoy the benefits of retail therapy without negative consequences, experts recommend mindful shopping."

Keywords: benefits, mindful shopping, avoid impulse purchases

Keyword Location: Paragraph G, line 1

Explanation: It suggests mindful shopping to avoid regret, matching the heading "How to shop wisely to avoid regret."

Questions 21-26

Use ONE WORD for each answer.

21. Retail therapy can enhance a person's ……………….

Answer: mood

Supporting statement: "Retail therapy can have genuine psychological benefits..."

Keywords: psychological benefits, improve mood

Keyword Location: Paragraph A, line 2

Explanation: The passage mentions retail therapy improves mood, making "mood" the correct word.

22. Shopping releases the chemical …………….. in the brain.

Answer: dopamine

Supporting statement: "The feeling of acquiring something new can stimulate the brain’s reward system, releasing dopamine..."

Keywords: reward system, releasing dopamine

Keyword Location: Paragraph B, line 3

Explanation: Dopamine is the chemical linked with shopping and happiness, hence the answer.

23. Compulsive buying can cause ………………… difficulties.

Answer: financial

Supporting statement: "This behavior often results in financial difficulties, increased stress, and feelings of guilt..."

Keywords: financial difficulties

Keyword Location: Paragraph C, line 2

Explanation: Compulsive buying disorder creates financial problems, so "financial" is correct.

24. ……………………. and advertising affects how people view shopping.

Answer: Media

Supporting statement: "Media and advertising play significant roles in shaping perceptions..."

Keywords: media, advertising, shaping perceptions

Keyword Location: Paragraph F, line 3

Explanation: Media is specifically mentioned as influencing views on shopping.

25. Setting a ……………………..is part of shopping mindfully.

Answer: budget

Supporting statement: "This approach involves being aware of one’s emotions, setting budgets, and distinguishing between needs and wants."

Keywords: setting budgets, mindful shopping

Keyword Location: Paragraph G, line 2

Explanation: Setting a budget is a key mindful shopping strategy.

26. Shopping with others improves emotional ……………………

Answer: wellbeing

Supporting statement: "Going shopping with friends or family... contribute to feelings of belonging and support, which are important for emotional wellbeing."

Keywords: social interaction, belonging, wellbeing

Keyword Location: Paragraph E, line 3

Explanation: Shopping with others strengthens emotional wellbeing, hence "wellbeing" is the answer.

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