An exploratory study on the lived experiences of hoarding in Singapore

• DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12878
• Publication Date: 2019-11-04T08:09:12Z
• Authors: Mythily Subramaniam; Anitha Jeyaguruna...; Fiona Devi; Shi Hui Sherilyn ...; Ellaisha Samari; Swapna Kamal Verma; Wei Lik Jared Ng; Weng Mooi Tan; Rebecca Chong; Peishan Ye; Lea Lea Lim; Ramzi Babjee; Janhavi Ajit Vain...; Siow Ann Chong
• Keywords: Mental health care

Research studies have revealed that people with hoarding typically collect and keep items due to their aesthetic appeal, utility strong emotional attachment the resulting in clutter limiting living spaces. This study aims explore experiences of individuals disorder understand describe—the patterns reasons for hoarding, decluttering impact on significant others society context a multi-ethnic urban Asian country. A total 12 participants were recruited interviewed using simple semi-structured interview guide designed study. The transcribed interviews analysed thematic analysis. mean age was 56.7 years (SD = 14.5). Nine super-ordinate discrete but interconnecting themes emerged from qualitative interviews: types hoarded items, sources ways storing/arranging help-seeking/treatment contact, decluttering, upon family, community self, restricting behaviours insight. Key identified are consistent literature which been done other populations. Hoarding has serious consequences community, is compounded by lack insight among these individuals. There pressing need increase public awareness recognition aid efforts bringing timely appropriate services affected