Using photo-elicitation and interpretative phenomenological analysis to explore possessions as links to self-concept and the identities of others in hoarding disorder.

Problematic attachments to items may be formed as a compensatory response to challenging early life experiences. Possessions may reflect self-confidence, uniqueness, and be perceived to be physical extensions of who people that hoard are. Belongings can be reminders of interpersonal relationships for people that hoard.