The Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with TVRI Yogyakarta, once again presents OPSI: Obrolan Psikologi (Psychology Talk) in its eighteenth episode, aired on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, from 15:00 to 16:00 WIB. This episode raises the theme “Mindful Spending at the End of the Year: When Emotions Control the Wallet.” It invites young people to become aware of emotional spending patterns, understand the triggers behind them, and build a healthier relationship with money through awareness, reflection, and personal values.
Present as the speaker in this episode was Rahmat Hidayat, S.Psi., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Psychology UGM. Rahmat explained that giving in to impulsive buying desires often leads to regret and feelings of guilt afterward. He emphasized that using shopping as a coping mechanism when emotional conditions are not stable is not a healthy approach, as it does not address the root of the problem. According to him, such behavior can instead worsen one’s relationship with money and increase financial pressure.
Rahmat highlighted the importance of recognizing emotional triggers that drive the urge to shop. He also encouraged young people to practice mindful spending by pausing before making purchases and distinguishing between needs and wants.
“The short-term impact of using shopping as a coping mechanism is temporary relief. Unfortunately, in the long term, if spending is not accompanied by sound financial decisions, it will actually add to financial burdens. Eventually, feelings of regret arise and trigger negative self-evaluation,” said Rahmat.
Don’t miss other interesting episodes of OPSI: Obrolan Psikologi! Watch the replays and continue to follow engaging discussions on psychology on the Kanal Pengetahuan Fakultas Psikologi UGM:
https://www.youtube.com/@kanalpsikologiugm
Note:
Please let us know if you would like to discuss a particular topic related to psychological issues in the Obrolan Psikologi (OPSI) talk show, a collaboration between the Faculty of Psychology UGM and TVRI Yogyakarta.
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Writer: Relung Fajar Sukmawati