#Collecting

A growing body of research is peeling back the shelves to reveal what drives people to collect everything from stamps and comic books to sneakers and digital files. New studies suggest that collecting isn’t simply about possession; it’s a complex blend of identity building, emotional regulation, memory preservation, and social connection. For many, the act of acquiring and organizing objects provides a sense of control in a chaotic world and reinforces a personal narrative about who they are. For others, it can become a habit that teeters toward excess, especially when attachment to belongings begins to interfere with daily life.