Excessive Acquisition Research Articles

Sales Forecasting with LSTM, Custom Loss Function, and Hyperparameter Optimization: A Case Study

Forecasting sales trends is a valuable activity for companies of all types and sizes, as it enables more efficient decision making to avoid unnecessary expenses from excess inventory or, conversely, losses due to insufficient inventory to meet demand. In this paper, we designed a personalized cost function to reduce economic losses caused by the excessive acquisition of products or derived from their scarcity when needed. Moreover, we designed an LSTM network integrated with Glorot and Orthogonal initializers and dropout to forecast sales trends in a lumber mill in Tamaulipas, Mexico. To generalize and appropriately forecast the sales of the lumber mill products, we optimized the LSTM network’s hyperparameters through a genetic algorithm, which was essential to explore the solution space. We evaluated our proposal in instances obtained from the historical sales of the five main products sold by the lumber mill. According to the results, we concluded that for our case study the proposed function cost and the hyperparameters optimization allowed the LSTM to forecast the direction and trend of the lumber mill’s product sales despite the variability of the products.

Estimating the Heritability of Hoarding Symptoms: Insights from a Classical Twin Study “New Insights on the Nature of Clutter”

Objective: Hoarding disorder is a complex condition that significantly impacts individuals' lives, characterized by excessive acquiring, difficulty discarding, clutter, distress, and impairment. This study aimed to examine the extent to which genetics and environment influence difficulty discarding, excessive acquisition, and clutter through the implementation of a classical twin study. Method: This classical twin study, conducted between April and September 2021, enrolled 194 twins (97 pairs) from Isfahan, recruited through the Isfahan Twins Registry (ITR). A total of 194 twins, consisting of 100 monozygotic (MZ) and 94 dizygotic (DZ) twins, participated in this study. Participants aged 16–50 were invited electronically and completed an online consent form and questionnaire. Hoarding symptoms were assessed using the saving inventory-revised. Zygosity was determined using a self-report method based on Song et al.'s questionnaire. To estimate the heritability of hoarding symptoms, the classical univariate twin model was employed. Results: Based on the univariate analysis, the heritability estimates for difficulty discarding and excessive acquisition were found to be 0.43 and 0.52, respectively. However, the results did not provide support for the role of genetics in clutter. Instead, it was indicated that the common environment accounted for 0.54 of the variance in clutter, while the specific environment contributed 0.46 to this symptom. Conclusion: The difficulty discarding and excessive acquisition were found to be moderately heritable. On the other hand, considering the contribution of genetics and environment to clutter, the results raise doubts about the association of clutter with hoarding. The relatively low genetic influence suggests that this trait may overlap with other behaviors rather than hoarding.

Relationship of Attentional Control and Intolerance of Uncertainty with Hoarding Behaviour among University Boarding Students

Background: Hoarding disorder is increasingly recognized as a significant mental health condition characterized by an excessive acquisition and difficulty in discarding possessions. While previous research has identified genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors contributing to hoarding behaviors, studies in the Pakistani context, particularly among university students, are scarce. This study investigates the role of attentional control and intolerance of uncertainty in relation to hoarding behaviors among university boarding students in Pakistan. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to examine the relationships between hoarding behaviors, attentional control, and intolerance of uncertainty, and to explore the demographic influences on these variables, with a focus on gender differences. Methods: Utilizing a correlational and cross-sectional design, this study recruited a balanced sample of 200 university boarding students (100 males and 100 females) via simple random sampling. The Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS), Attention Control Scale (ATC), and Saving Inventory Scale (SI-R) were employed to measure the respective constructs. Data were collected through paper-based questionnaires, with analysis conducted using SPSS version 25. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation, and t-tests for gender comparison. Results: The results indicated a moderate positive correlation between hoarding behaviors and intolerance of uncertainty (r = .33, p < .01), and a negative correlation between attentional control and intolerance of uncertainty (r = -.19, p < .01). Gender differences were significant, with males exhibiting higher mean scores in hoarding behaviors (M = 45.13, SD = 10.67) compared to females (M = 39.12, SD = 10.38), and similar patterns were observed for other studied variables. Education and socioeconomic status showed no significant effects on the relationships studied. Conclusion: The study underscores the significant impact of intolerance of uncertainty and attentional control on hoarding behaviors among university students in Pakistan, with distinct gender differences suggesting the need for targeted interventions. This research contributes to the understanding of hoarding in a novel cultural context and supports the development of specific therapeutic strategies focusing on cognitive and emotional regulation.

Filling the void: boredom’s associations with hoarding symptom severity

In hoarding disorder, features including attentional difficulties and emotion dysregulation can contribute to the core symptoms of clutter, difficulties discarding, and excessive acquisition. Boredom is a negative feeling state that shares a high level of overlap with associated features of hoarding, including inattention, depressive symptoms, and impulsivity, and has been implicated in compulsive buying behaviors. Boredom may be a particularly relevant factor in compulsive hoarding; however, this relationship remains significantly under-researched. The present studies aimed to thoroughly investigate associations between boredom and hoarding severity using diverse methodologies. Study 1 (N = 253) replicated, in an online community sample, previously reported positive associations between hoarding severity and recent state boredom while statistically controlling for potentially confounding variables (e.g., depression, indecisiveness), and extended these findings to include boredom proneness. In Study 2, individuals with elevated hoarding symptoms (n = 56) and a history of hoarding problems (n = 43) reported higher levels of recent state and trait boredom than controls (n = 61). Additionally, boredom was associated with performance on simulated acquiring and discarding tasks. Finally, Studies 3a (N = 144) and 3b (N = 146) attempted the first experimental tests of induced boredom on acquiring and discarding behaviors. Although results were mixed and preclude causal conclusions, exploratory analyses revealed that individuals reporting higher in-the-moment boredom took more (p = .008) and discarded fewer (p = .021) items on the simulated tasks. Overall, results suggest that boredom may have crucial implications in hoarding symptom severity.

Broadband dual-comb hyperspectral imaging and adaptable spectroscopy with programmable frequency combs

We explore the advantages of a free-form dual-comb spectroscopy (DCS) platform based on time-programmable frequency combs for real-time, penalty-free apodized scanning. In traditional DCS, the fundamental spectral point spacing, which equals the comb repetition rate, can be excessively fine for many applications. While fine point spacing is not itself problematic, it comes with the penalty of excess acquisition time. Post-processing apodization (windowing) can be applied to tailor the resolution to the sample, but only with a deadtime penalty proportional to the degree of apodization. The excess acquisition time remains. With free-form DCS, this deadtime is avoided by programming a real-time apodization pattern that dynamically reverses the pulse periods between the dual frequency combs. In this way, one can tailor the spectrometer’s resolution and update rate to different applications without penalty. We show the operation of a free-form DCS system where the spectral resolution is varied from the intrinsic fine 160 MHz up to 822 GHz by applying tailored real-time apodization. Because there is no deadtime penalty, the spectral signal-to-noise ratio increases linearly with resolution by 5000× over this range, as opposed to the square root increase observed for post-processing apodization in traditional DCS. We explore the flexibility to change resolution and update rate to perform hyperspectral imaging at slow camera frame rates, where the penalty-free apodization allows for optimal use of each frame. We obtain dual-comb hyperspectral movies at a 20 Hz spectrum update rate with broad optical spectral coverage of over 10 THz.

Study on Collection Performance of Hydraulic Polymetallic Nodule Collector Based on Solid–Liquid Two-Phase Flow Numerical Simulation

The hydraulic collector is an important device for collecting seafloor polymetallic nodules. In this study, a hydraulic polymetallic nodule collector with two acquisition nozzles and one transmission nozzle is described. The numerical model of the hydraulic collector is established based on the solid–liquid two-phase flow method, and it is verified by experimental tests. On this basis, the collection mechanism of the hydraulic collector is analyzed, and the effects of structural parameters and working parameters on its collection performance are explored. The results show that the collection height and slant angle of the acquisition nozzle are key factors for collection efficiency, with optimal heights below 150 mm and angles between 45 and 49∘. The recommended range for the center distance between the two acquisition confluence tubes is 650–730 mm. Excessive acquisition and transmission flow rates make a negligible contribution to improving the collection efficiency, but can also cause a significant increase in energy consumption. Therefore, the recommended ranges for acquisition and transmission flow rates are 140–160 m3/h and less than 80 m3/h, respectively. All of the results indicated that the parameters of the developed hydraulic collector were set reasonably, which thus ensured a balance between the collection efficiency and energy consumption.

Economic Cost of the Waste of Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Drugs in Mexico City.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications (AAMs) are widely used in Mexico and the rest of the world. Their excessive acquisition can lead to waste, representing an unnecessary expense for families and the public health system. The aim of this study was to estimate the economic cost of the waste of unused AAMs collected by the National System for the Collection of Residues of Containers and Medications (SINGREM, the acronym in Spanish) in Mexico City during 2019. Data from SINGREM on discarded AAMs in Mexico City were classified by the type and quantity of drug, pharmaceutical dosage form, origin, dose, and the complete or incomplete condition of the package. The unitary cost for each medication was based on public tenders of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) for the public sector and the prices in large drug store franchises for the private sector. A decision-making model was constructed to appraise the total cost of discarded AAMs. The economic cost of the 48924 units of discarded AAMs in SINGREM containers in Mexico City during 2019 was approx. USD$143500, of which over USD$127000 corresponded to the private health sector. The current findings evidence an enormous accumulation of unneeded or expired AAMs in Mexico City. According to the present data, the cost of such waste is substantial. The estimated cost was 8-fold higher for discarded medications originating from the private versus the public healthcare sector. It is important to implement measures to prevent this waste and increase awareness of the consequences of inadequate drug disposal.

Hard to let it go: repetitive negative thinking and hoarding in later life in Japan

Objectives: Hoarding in older adults can have a detrimental effect on daily life. Repetitive negative thinking (RNT) could result in a greater avoidance of discarding and increased saving behaviors; yet, the unique role of RNT on hoarding in older adults remains understudied. This study aimed to investigate whether the intensity of RNT contributes to hoarding in older adults. Methods: Two hundred and sixty-four older adults in Japan (ages 65–86 years, 132 males and 132 females) participated in an online survey. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine whether RNT could significantly explain the variance of hoarding after controlling for age, sex, years of education, self-reported cognitive impairment, and depression. Results: As we expected, RNT was significantly associated with greater hoarding behaviors, such as excessive acquisition (β = .27, p = .005) and difficulty in discarding (β = .27, p = .003). On the other hand, reflection, repetitive thinking without negative emotional valence, was significantly associated with higher scores on clutter (β = .36 p < .001). Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of addressing RNT in the prevention and treatment of hoarding symptoms among older adults, potentially leading to more effective interventions and improved outcomes in managing hoarding behaviors in this population.

Evaluating the effects of a brief motivational interviewing protocol on excessive acquisition

Background and ObjectivesIndividuals with hoarding disorder, especially those with problems around acquiring, typically demonstrate a lack of motivation and awareness of their problematic behaviours. Since acquiring behaviours are important targets in interventions for hoarding, effective strategies for increasing motivation in this population are required to enhance the acceptability and efficacy of these interventions. MethodsThe aim of the current study was to evaluate the ability of a brief online motivational intervention to reduce acquiring in a community sample of high acquirers (N = 159). Participants were randomly assigned to either a motivational interviewing protocol (n = 73) or progressive muscle relaxation control condition (n = 86). Readiness to change and motivation to acquire was measured via self-report, and acquiring behaviour was measured using a modified version of the Preston Acquisition Decision Making Task (to increase ecological validity). ResultsIn both conditions, participants’ readiness and motivation to change increased over time. Contrary to hypotheses, the magnitude of this improvement did not significantly differ between conditions. Furthermore, conditions did not perform differently on the behavioural measure of acquiring. LimitationsInsufficient dose of the intervention may have precluded any differences being observed between conditions. ConclusionsResults underscore the need to better address the problem of lowered motivation in this population.

PERSONALITY PROFILE OF RURAL-DWELLING OLDER ADULTS IN AN ONGOING HOARDING TREATMENT STUDY

Abstract Symptoms of hoarding disorder, such as significant household clutter, difficulty discarding, and excessive acquisition tend to increase in later life. With many challenges involved in aging in place, older adults may be particularly vulnerable to adverse events occurring while living with excessive clutter (e.g., fall risk, sanitation issues). Therefore, understanding what factors predict hoarding symptom severity is an essential step towards increasing older adults’ ability to age in place while experiencing hoarding symptoms. Personality traits have been demonstrated to predict hoarding symptoms in a wide range of ages. However, a sample of older adults in this clinical population has not been evaluated. The IPIP-NEO-60 is a shortened version of a widely used open-source personality measure that utilizes the five-factor model of personality (Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness). We used this measure to evaluate the personality profiles of rural-dwelling older adults (age 50 and up, M = 63) enrolled in an ongoing treatment study for hoarding disorder (n = 14). Compared to normative data from 910 adults aged 50 and up and matched for gender, most participants scored in the average range for Neuroticism, Extraversion, and Openness, with a nearly even split between high, low, and average scores for Agreeableness. Half of participants scored in the low range for Conscientiousness. Given the considerable proportion of participants demonstrating low Conscientiousness in this sample, screening a larger sample for beyond-average facet scores within this factor (e.g., self-efficacy, cautiousness) may assist clinicians in selecting impactful treatment targets for hoarding disorder in older adults.

Association between fear of COVID-19 and hoarding behavior during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic: The mediating role of mental health status.

Hoarding behavior can effectively improve people's ability to resist risks, so as to reduce the negative effects of risks. However, excessive hoarding behavior will seriously reduce people's quality of life. The COVID-19 pandemic can cause excessive hoarding in a large number of people in a short period of time, and also cause a series of economic problems such as social material shortage. It is unclear how hoarding levels are linked to fear and negative emotions caused by COVID-19 among people of different educational backgrounds and social status. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and hoarding behavior in different populations in school and social contexts, as well as the mediating role of negative emotions and the moderating role of subjective/objective social status and education level in this process. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in various provinces in China in January 2022. Demographic information, the MacArthur Scale of Subjective Social Status, the Fear of COVID-19 scale, the Depression Anxiety Stress-21, and the Saving Inventory-Revised were used to evaluate the severity of individual hoarding symptoms, the frequency of hoarding, the degree of fear, and the negative emotions (depression, anxiety, stress) caused by COVID-19. Research data showed that fear of COVID-19 was significantly correlated with hoarding behavior (p < 0.05). Fear of COVID-19 was significantly lower in the student sample than in the nonstudent sample (p < 0.05). Negative emotions played a mediating role in the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and hoarding behavior (p < 0.05). Educational and economic levels moderated this process, but social status did not. Compared with the student sample, educational background and income had less of a moderating effect on the depression, anxiety, and stress caused by fear of COVID-19 in the nonstudent sample. However, these factors had a more regulative effect on the clutter and excessive acquisition behavior caused by depression, anxiety, and stress, although not on difficulty discarding. These findings suggest that reduce negative emotions in the population, improve cognitive levels, and provide financial support from governments may be effective ways to reduce hoarding symptoms.

Hoarding mysteries Jack would appreciate

Hoarding disorder (HD) is a multifaceted problem that presents challenges both for understanding its dimensions and for developing effective treatments. We are grateful to have known Dr. Stanley J. Rachman and his incredibly thoughtful approach to clinical psychology and research on anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD) and their treatment. His work has helped set the stage for our own efforts to study this challenging condition. The discussion below reviews a range of mysteries we and others have encountered in working with people who exhibit HD symptoms. Of particular interest to us are questions about biological vulnerabilities like heritability and the high rate of concurrent health problems and whether hoarded objects might serve as safety signals that protect people from traumatic life events. We are curious about the attachment process in HD and whether attachment to objects is related to early parental experiences that affect self-concept. We raise questions about the several information processing problems often seen in people with HD – attention focusing, memory, and associative responses to objects and information. Raising many questions are observations about strong emotional attachments to objects and multiple reasons given for saving them, as well as what sometimes appears to be remarkable aesthetic appreciation and creative interest in objects. Emotions in HD seem to range more widely than in some psychological disorders as both positive and negative reactions appear to reinforce excessive acquisition and difficulty discarding. Clutter blindness may be an effort to avoid confrontation with overwhelming clutter in the home. Finally, we comment on difficulty achieving more positive outcomes following a carefully designed cognitive and behavioral treatment for HD and encourage the next generation of researchers to follow in Jack Rachman's footsteps as they try to unravel these mysteries.

Hoarding: Ownership Gone Awry

Hoarding: Ownership Gone Awry

Animal hoarding cases in England: Implications for public health services.

Hoarding disorder is characterized by an accumulation of possessions due to excessive acquisition of or difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of their actual value and is estimated to affect 2–6% of the population. Animal hoarding, a distinct subset of hoarding disorder, has a significant public health impact on the humans involved, as well as animal welfare. Individuals exhibit self-neglect, apathy, social withdrawal and object hoarding; living within squalid, deteriorated, structurally unsafe and uninhabitable premises, alongside neglected animals. Cases are complex, costly and impact on a range of responding service providers. Effective case management is poorly understood and researched, with published literature in England particularly sparse. Improving understanding of the characteristics of these cases is the first step in informed case management. This research is the first exploration of the characteristics of animal hoarders in England and the areas where cases were located. Information about prosecutions involving large numbers of animals that were reported in the media was systematically obtained. This identified 66 cases between January 2015 and December 2020. Geospatial analysis exploring characteristics of locations where animal hoarding cases are also reported. Findings were broadly consistent with the international literature in that females (64%), those living alone (71%) and those with a mean age of 49 were well represented. Cats (61.5%) and dogs (60%) were the most commonly hoarded species. There was a mean of 44 animals per case and dead or animals requiring euthanasia found in 53% of cases. Key characteristics of the areas where cases were found highlight urban, densely populated, and high levels of deprivation being the most represented. Evidence of recidivism was evident in 39% of cases, suggesting that prosecution is not an effective rehabilitator. Animal hoarding raises serious implications for Public Health Services, and the lack of current effective case management strategies are discussed.

Modern-day hoarding: A model for understanding and measuring digital hoarding

With the cost of data storage approaching near zero, an individual can acquire, share, and store digital content (i.e., emails, images, videos, and documents) more than ever before. This behavior is exacerbated by the availability, affordability, and usability of modern technological devices like smart mobile phones, wearables, the rapid proliferation of social media and communication apps, and the intensification of digitized business and/or personal interactions. As a result, there is an increased propensity to acquire and accumulate substantial amounts of digital content. Employing the theoretical foundations of the attachment theory and the hoarding disorder, this study argues that the characteristics such as difficulty of discarding digital content, digital clutter, and frequent excessive acquisition of digital content demonstrate the signs of digital hoarding. By conducting a survey using 846 respondents and conducting a multigroup analysis, this study provides confirmatory evidence on digital hoarding and its association to anxiety. As such, this study contributes to the dark side of technology use and introduces a new concept called digital hoarding to information systems research.

Abstract- Poster

Background:Hoarding Disorder (HD) is defined as the acquisition of and failure to discard large volumes of possessions, resulting in cluttering of living spaces. With an estimated prevalence of 2–5%, HD is associated with high levels of disability and impairment. To our knowledge, literature on hoarding from India is thus far confined to a single epidemiological prevalence study.Aim:To present a series of cases identified to have HD, each with a unique clinical profile, comorbidities, and possible underlying etiological factors.Methods:We reviewed the case files of seven individuals diagnose to have HD, treated at the OCD Clinic, NIMHANS. Clinical characteristics, comorbidity, treatment, and outcome-related details were extracted.Results:Three of seven patients had a primary diagnosis of HD. Three had comorbid OCD, two had comorbid psychosis, and one had autism spectrum disorder. One patient with schizophrenia developed hoarding after the initiation of clozapine, which interestingly remitted after reducing its dose. One patient developed HD following temporal lobectomy for refractory epilepsy. All of them had excessive acquisition and poor to absent insight. Five received CBT targeted toward reducing hoarding and clutter. Medication management varied from use of SSRIs to SGAs. Reduction in acquisition and clutter was noted in two of seven individuals following treatment.Conclusion:We describe these cases to illustrate the varying contexts in which HD may arise, as well as the challenges in their management. HD is likely underreported, particularly in the Indian context, and a thorough screening may aid in early diagnosis and initiation of treatment.

Working psychologically with older adults with hoarding disorder: A scoping review of psychological assessment, formulation and intervention

IntroductionHoarding disorder (HD) is characterised by excessive acquisition and difficulty discarding possessions, resulting in heightened distress and significant clutter. Associated social isolation, reports of heightened shame, mistrust of professionals, and risk of falls or problems with hygiene make it difficult for professionals to successfully assess and intervene. The progression of hoarding symptoms is chronic in nature, with older adult (OA) services seeing an increasing number of individuals with HD.MethodA systematic search of several databases was conducted. Following title, abstract and full text screening, and the exclusion of research focussing on an OCD sample or hoarding within the context of dementia or psychosis, 12 primary research papers were identified for inclusion in this review. These described the assessment, formulation and intervention of OA’s with hoarding.ResultsDespite there being several psychometric measures of hoarding severity, symptoms and beliefs, only two are validated for use with older adults. Moreover, there is little evidence of the efficacy of formulation and CBT interventions for HD in an OA population. There is however, useful documented adaptations to psychological work with OAs.DiscussionMore research is required documenting the efficacy of psychological intervention with OA’s with HD, as well as adaptations for assessment tools and formulation models for HD. These should account for the transitional life stage of OAs, possible physical health and cognitive functioning barriers, time constraints, increased need for motivational interviewing, relational approaches and emphasis on social activity.

A remote cognitive behavioural therapy approach to treating hoarding disorder in an older adult

AbstractHoarding disorder (HD) is characterised by excessive acquisition and distress associated with discarding objects, resulting in significant clutter. At present, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) represents the strongest evidence base for treating HD, although some limitations exist. Little research has examined the effectiveness of remote-CBT interventions for HD in older adults. This case study focuses on Mary, an older female adult presenting with clinically significant hoarding behaviours which severely impact her daily functioning and quality of life. Assessment and intervention followed a structured CBT approach. Despite the complicating factor of COVID-19, Mary responded well to a remote-CBT intervention, with progress indicators suggesting modest improvements in personal, social and occupational functioning. These findings support the use of remote-CBT for HD in both reducing frequency and intensity of hoarding behaviours and improving wellbeing.Key learning aims(1)Hoarding disorder (HD) is a poorly understood disorder that can significantly impact an individual’s personal, social and occupational functioning.(2)According to a cognitive behavioural model, HD emanates from information-processing deficits, emotional attachment difficulties, behavioural avoidance and maladaptive beliefs about objects and the self (Frost and Hartl, 1996).(3)Observations from this case study suggest the acceptability and effectiveness of a remote cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) intervention for HD, with outcomes appearing congruous with those produced by face-to-face intervention.(4)While research attests to the effectiveness of a CBT intervention for HD, an augmented account of the mechanisms through which these outcomes are achieved is required.

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

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.

A pilot study of a motivational early intervention for excessive acquiring behaviours

Researchers have proposed that the excessive acquisition of objects is a more malleable symptom of hoarding disorder (HD) than the symptoms of difficulty discarding and clutter. Thus, early intervention to reduce acquiring among higher-risk individuals may be a key pathway to reduce subsequent hoarding symptoms. Despite emerging research on motivations to acquire objects in HD, scant attention has been paid to the factors surrounding the intention to reduce acquiring. Moreover, few studies have targeted acquiring behaviours specifically. We piloted a brief online motivational intervention to reduce excessive acquisition tendencies among a sample of university students with elevated symptoms of acquiring and difficulty discarding (N=83). We also developed object acquiring insight and readiness to change rulers to address the dearth of HD specific measures of motivation. Participants were randomly allocated to complete either a motivational interviewing style protocol to reduce acquiring or an active control condition (behavioural activation). Results revealed a strong positive association between problem insight and readiness to reduce acquiring. There were no differences post-intervention between participants in the motivational and control conditions with respect to insight, readiness to change, or acquisition of objects. Participants' self-reported acquiring symptoms were significantly reduced one-week post-intervention in both conditions. Thematic analyses of responses within the motivational protocol revealed that the participants’ decisional balance leant towards a change to their acquiring behaviours. Together, the pattern of results provided some support for the further development and testing of the online motivational protocol as an early intervention within a stepped care approach to treating HD.