Shopping and human connection often go together. Because of my former colleague’s odd working hours, he used to go to Wal-Mart in the middle of the night just to see people. Maybe that’s one form of what has been dubbed “retail therapy”—a practice that a new survey says is growing among Americans.

The survey conducted in March by TNS Global for Ebates.com found that more than half of Americans say they shop and spend to improve their mood—often when they’ve had a bad day at work (18.9%), received bad news (14.6%) or had a fight with a significant other (12.2%).

Of the 52% who engage in this consumer behavior, more women (64%) believe shopping gives them a lift, compared to 40% of men.

About 80% feel best when engaging in retail therapy, and among those, many like a bargain, according to MarketingCharts.com. The most popular ways of getting a deal are shopping during a sale (61.8%), receiving some type of reward, such as cash back (49.4%) free shipping (45%) and using coupons (44.6%).

Among the top items women purchase for retail therapy are clothes (57.9% of women), food (34.7%), shoes (32.4%), accessories (29.1%) and books/magazines (28.7%). Men’s top categories were food (28.1%), electronics (27.4%), music/movies (26.6%), clothes (21.5%) and games/toys (17.6%).

Of course, the Scriptures show and tell that “stuff” doesn’t give long-term satisfaction. King Solomon assured us of that: “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity” (Eccl. 5:10, ESV).

But, aside from habitual shoppers who have a compulsive habit, are there some real benefits to retail therapy? Maybe so, said Kit Yarrow, psychology chair at Golden Gate University, in a TIME article on consumer behavior.

One consumer named Chanelle confesses that she occasionally needs time away from her difficult family. Truth is, sometimes a person just needs a break.

“Sometimes it’s crazy at home, and so I go to the mall for some me time,” she said.

And because of our down economy, Americans aren’t taking as many vacations as they have in the past—which brought about the concept of a “staycation,” so maybe going shopping provides a mini-respite for some people, “like a blip of a vacation, without any packing or planning,” Yarrow writes.

“Some types of purchasing can serve a higher purpose,” said Sara Levin, a psychologist who works with young parents. “Retail purchases can be helpful if the product inspires self-confidence and a sense of mastery.”

If and when people need a break from the stress of their lives, Christian retailers are there to serve and can point them to their ultimate “higher purpose.” Encourage shoppers to purchase a Scripture-themed gift, an encouraging book or a Bible—then watch for the Word to do its beautiful work.

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