Doom Spending: Which Personalities Are Splurging Cash To Escape Bad News?

If you’ve ever splurged on something frivolous just to bring a little joy into your life, you might be guilty of doom spending.

Doom spending is when you buy things on impulse, as a way to ease your fear about negative events happening in the world. From elections to climate change, natural disasters to never owning a home, there’s no shortage of anxiety-inducing news to consume these days. What better way to cope than with a quick shopping spree, right?

Like any type of retail therapy, doom spending can be anything from a harmless habit to a serious addiction, causing financial trouble if you start overspending to soothe your anxiety. Where you fall on that spectrum may well depend on your Myers and Briggs type. Some types are more likely to hit the shops when the world feels like it's spiraling, while others tend to plan for the long term and lock their credit cards away.

So, who exactly is doom spending? And more importantly, how can they stop?

The Biggest Doom Spenders: Intuitive-Feelers

Intuitive Feelers (ENFPs, INFPs, ENFJs, and INFJs) embody compassion and empathy. These types are in tune with the world's injustices and feel others’ suffering on a whole other level, so they can be particularly prone to doom spending.

When exposed to the heaviness of the world, NF types might look for relief anywhere they can get it. The high of making a purchase, especially if rebalances a perceived inequality—like an eco-friendly product or a gift for others—provides a temporary escape from the emotional overwhelm they’re feeling. It’s a way to escape the chaos and feel like they’re doing something, even if it’s not alleviating the root cause.

Coping strategies for NF Types

• Limit your exposure to the news and social media that can trigger fear and worrying. Be mindful of the accounts you follow and try to avoid doom scrolling.
• Reflect on what matters to you and look for ways to align with your values that don’t involve spending money. For example, if climate change is a major concern, try volunteering for an environmental organization instead of impulse-buying earth-kind cosmetics. 
• Whether it’s writing, painting or something else, try creating something to help you process your anxiety in a healthier way.

Close Runners Up: ISFPs, ESFPs

ISFPs and ESFPs are prone to seeking instant gratification, which can make them doom spend in times of stress and overwhelm. While NF types might doom spend on things that make a positive impact, SFPs are more likely to splurge on "little treats" that give them an instant sensory high—a new outfit, dinner at a fancy restaurant, or a spontaneous trip. For SPFs, it’s all about that quick fix that can lift their mood and take the edge off in the moment, even if the relief is super short-lived and will only last for a couple of hours.

Coping strategies for SFPs:

• Find ways to get that shot of adrenaline without pulling out your credit card. Maybe it's exploring a nearby hiking trail or cooking a new recipe while jamming to your favorite playlist. Little things like this can lift your spirits without the buyer’s remorse!
• When the urge to doom spend strikes, hit pause and reflect. Ask yourself—how long will the good feelings really last? For example, if you’re thinking of splurging on an expensive meal, consider whether the enjoyment will last longer than the time it takes to finish it and how you’ll feel afterward. Chances are, you’ll end up feeling worse when the high wears off and the regret kicks in. 

Types Most Likely to Rationalize Their Doom Spending: INTPs, ENTPs

INTPs and ENTPs navigate the world through logic and reason, so you might expect them to be pretty level-headed with their purchases. But this is actually far from the truth. These types are wired to analyze everything and look for patterns. When their analyses start to look bleak, it can stir up a lot of anxiety, and they might turn to shopping as a way to distract themselves. 

NTPs are especially likely to doom spend when they feel uncertain about their future, whether it’s job security, financial stability or something else. The prospect of a looming economic crisis can push these types into purchasing the latest tech gadgets, books on self-improvement or inventory for side hustle they haven’t thought through yet, which they'll rationalize as investments into the future—like they’re just staying ahead of the curve or preparing for whatever is coming.

Coping strategies for NTPs

• Get out of your head! When you get stuck worrying about the world, redirect your focus to something practical and physical, like exercising or cleaning. Even stepping outside for a bit can remind you that there is a tangible world beyond your thoughts.
• Share your worries with someone whose judgment you can trust. This can work wonders to ease anxiety, especially for you, NTPs. You can get so tangled up in your thoughts that you might begin to dissociate from reality a little, imagining doom scenarios that aren’t even close to reality. This can push you into unhealthy coping habits, like doom spending, just to distract yourself. Talking it out can help you snap back to reality and put things into perspective.

Types Least Likely to Doom Spend

While some personality types are more prone to doom spending, others are less likely to fall into the trap:

INTJ: They’re very goal- and future-oriented, so they view spending as a means to an end—usually for something useful or planned—rather than as an emotional escape.

ISTJ: They’re the definition of cautious. They rarely buy anything unless it serves a clear, practical purpose.

ISFJ:  They’re highly conscientious with their spending and will direct it toward creating a stable life for themselves.

ESTP: They’re spontaneous, but they’re also pragmatic and usually too focused on their current plans. So, they usually stick to purchases that directly support them.

ISTP: They’re super independent, pragmatic and resourceful, so they’re not big on buying stuff they don’t really need.

ESTJ: They do everything with a goal in mind, so they don’t usually splurge unless it’s absolutely necessary. 

ESFJ: They’re organized and focused on taking care of others, so they tend to stick to budgets and avoid unnecessary spending.

ENTJs: They are strategic and big-picture thinkers, so they tend to make purchases that align with their long-term goals—or at least, don’t interfere with them. 

If you belong to one of these types, congratulations! You have a natural tendency to resist doom spending—but it's best not to get complacent. It's a tough world out there, and understandable if you're tempted to live in the moment sometimes.