TOW #6: Shopping Therapy

      Attention all shoppers! In all attempts to convince others that "retail therapy" is a real thing, Healthy Living Magazine has now proved it! The article Shopping Therapy is all about how shopping can actually improve your health. It presents the reasons why a shopping break is so enjoyable and relaxing. They explain shopping as a "mini mental vacation," therefore being good for your health, in essence.
     The author appeals to ethos and logos by presenting statistics and facts from scientists and psychologists who did studies on the effect of shopping on peoples health. From all the shoppers at the mall, "62% purchased something to cheer themselves up and 28% as celebration," so they were all there for themselves, to feel better. They also emphasized how shopping supports your mental health through recreating a quotes from psychologist, Sara Levin, “Retail purchases can be helpful if the product inspires self confidence and a sense of mastery.” The article also had enumeration, emphasizing the effects that shopping has on mental health. Headings are also used to present information and discuss different components. Ultimately, the article also appealed to pathos because although small, it is a scientific discovery that overall makes others happy. The audience was most likely targeted to women because generally women are the ones who often find themselves shopping and often need the excuse that they need "retail therapy." Also the fact that this article is in Healthy Living Magazine, it establishes ethos and gives a sense of who the audience would be. Even though this article was on the shorter side it was still very effective in achieving its purpose. It appealed to me and caught my eye because although it is a smaller scientific discovery, it is still helpful to many girls/women.