Stockpiling in the time of COVID‐19

Abstract

Objectives. Consistent with behaviour observed in prior crises, individuals are stockpiling supplies during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The goal of this study was to describe stockpiling behaviour in response to COVID-19 and investigate individual predictors of stockpiling. Methods. Workers (N = 363, 54.72% male, 44.65% female, 0.63% other; M age = 38.41, SD = 12.48, range = 18-78) were recruited from Amazon's Mechanical Turk and completed a survey about their stockpiling of 13 items, as well as behaviours and opinions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and their political affiliation. Results. Participants stockpiled, on average, approximately 6 items, and toilet paper was the item most commonly procured. Approximately 25% of the sample acquired a gun or other weapon in response to the pandemic and approximately 20% of participants stockpiled gold or other precious metals. Stockpiling was more commonly observed among individuals who were more conservative, worried more about the pandemic, and social distanced less. Conclusions. Individual, societal, and ideological implications are discussed. Statement of contribution What is already known on this subject? Consistent with prior crises and infectious disease outbreaks, COVID-19 has led to stockpiling (i.e., procuring real or perceived emergency supplies). Stockpiling stems from an individual's response, either rationally or emotionally, to scarcity, which may elicit stress, anxiety, fear, or panic, leading people to build private stocks or place orders for more than they need. In addition to scarcity, the experience of COVID-19 itself is linked to psychological distress, which may confer additional motivation to stockpile.

A systematic review and realist synthesis on toilet paper hoarding: COVID or not COVID, that is the question

“…We identified eight published studies related to the COVID-19 pandemic with toilet paper hoarding ( Garbe, Rau & Toppe, 2020 ; Kirk & Rifkin, 2020 ; Oosterhoff & Palmer, 2020 ; Sim et al, 2020 ; Miri et al, 2020 ; Micalizzi, Zambrotta & Bernstein, 2020 ; Laato et al, 2020 ; Güzel, 2020 ). One study included a survey of participants focused on toilet paper shopping and stockpiling behaviours ( Garbe, Rau & Toppe, 2020 ), one study conducted a survey of adolescents regarding several pandemic-related behaviours (including hoarding) ( Oosterhoff & Palmer, 2020 ), and another study conducted a survey through Amazon’s Mechanical Turk on stockpiling behaviour (including toilet paper) in response to COVID-19 ( Micalizzi, Zambrotta & Bernstein, 2020 ). One study analysed purchasing behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic ( Laato et al, 2020 ).…”

“…One survey of 363 workers in the United States who were recruited from Amazon’s Mechanical Turk inquired about the stockpiling of 13 items, as well as opinions on the COVID-19 pandemic and political affiliation (Democrat vs. Republican) ( Micalizzi, Zambrotta & Bernstein, 2020 ). Of all 13 items, toilet paper was the item most commonly stockpiled (63.2%).…”

A Biopsychosocial Approach to Understanding Panic Buying: Integrating Neurobiological, Attachment-Based, and Social-Anthropological Perspectives

“…In such contexts, even individuals who had never previously exhibited hoarding behavior may develop an increased attachment to, and urge to accumulate, certain possessions—leading, not to hoarding disorder per se , but to panic buying. In this context, it is worth noting that many of the individual psychological variables identified as being linked to panic buying, such as high neuroticism and low openness and conscientiousness ( 17 ), have been specifically associated with disturbances in attachment both in children and in young adults ( 55 ).…”

“…A study from Portugal reported stockpiling in 36% of respondents ( 16 ). In a report from the United States, the most common stockpiled materials were toilet paper (63%), canned foods (59%), staple foods such as rice and bread (53–57%), bottled water (57%), and medications (53%) ( 17 ).…”

“…Individual factors : male sex ( 18 ); increased extraversion and neuroticism; low conscientiousness and openness ( 19 ); need to belong ( 20 ); need for safety or reassurance ( 21 – 23 ); anxiety or worry ( 8 , 21 , 23 ); reduced adherence to social distancing ( 17 ); conservative attitudes ( 17 );…”