JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The first case of digital hoarding disorder was reported in 2015. Since then, research on digital hoarding behavior has focused on the measurement, antecedents and consequences of digital hoarding behavior using a variable-centered approach, which may overlook the possibility of inherent heterogeneity among hoarders. In addition, although the consequences of hoarding behaviors are clear, the relationship between digital hoarding and physical hoarding remains unknown.

Objective:

This study adopted a new person-centered approach to determine whether digital hoarding is similar to or different from physical hoarding and the associated antecedents and consequences.

Methods:

We administered an online survey to 551 social network site (SNS) users. We used latent profile analysis to identify profiles of digital hoarding behavior and physical hoarding behavior. Then, we probed the antecedents and consequences of the identified profiles by employing the R3STEP and Bolk–Croon–Hagenaars (BCH) methods.

Results:

Four profiles were identified: nonhoarders, mild hoarders, digital hoarders, and severe hoarders. Nonhoarders did not exhibit digital or physical hoarding (16.15%; Mdigital hoarding = 3.41; Mphysical hoarding = 3.13). Mild hoarders were the most common (34.12%; Mdigital hoarding = 4.62; Mphysical hoarding = 4.08); these individuals reported low levels of both digital and physical hoarding. Digital hoarders displayed the highest levels of digital hoarding and the second lowest levels of physical hoarding (26.32%; Mdigital hoarding = 5.63; Mphysical hoarding = 3.23). Finally, severe hoarders showed high levels of both digital and physical hoarding (23.41%; Mdigital hoarding = 5.57; Mphysical hoarding = 6.29). Perceived coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) criticality predicted digital hoarders and severe hoarders. Time spent on WeChat predicted severe hoarders. Regarding consequences, severe hoarders had the most severe SNS addiction, greatest emotional exhaustion, and highest likelihood of illness. Digital hoarders had the highest job performance, life satisfaction, happiness, and sleep quality.

Conclusions:

Hoarders (individuals who exhibit digital or physical hoarding) are a heterogeneous group. This study emphasizes the importance of looking beyond the simple similarities or differences of digital and physical hoarding. The profiles we identified can facilitate the design of personalized interventions for specific groups within the hoarding population.