Assessing acquisition and discarding behavior using an online simulation task: A validation study

Abstract

Limited measures exist to assess hoarding disorder. This study revised the only validated behavioral measure of excessive acquisition and difficulties discarding by modifying it for online use. In an online sample, participants endorsing current (n = 56) and previous hoarding (n = 43) symptoms acquired significantly more and discarded significantly fewer items on this computerized decision-making task as compared to a non-clinical control group (n = 61). These groups also reported higher rates of task-related negative affect. Reaction times for item-related decisions did not differ between the groups. Individuals with previous symptoms did not differ from those with current symptoms on the behavioral task despite scoring significantly lower on the Saving Inventory -- Revised (SI-R). SI-R Excessive Acquisition subscale scores were positively correlated with the number of items taken on the Acquiring Task in the full sample and in the hoarding group. SI-R Difficulties Discarding subscale scores were negatively associated with the number of items discarded on the Discarding Task in the full sample, but not in the hoarding group alone. Overall, the results provided preliminary convergent and construct-related validity for the measure. This easily accessible, cost-effective measure can provide researchers with a flexible tool for assessment and symptom identification.