It has often been argued that a woman’s best way to cope with stress or any kind of strong and negative emotion is to hit the shops armed with nothing but a credit card and plenty of patience. It’s called the wonders of a little retail therapy and, according to many, it’s guaranteed to boost spirits. Only this is not necessarily the case, a new study cited by News.com informs.

As it turns out, the women who actually get their kicks and a mood boost with retail therapy are only those whose weight fits them nicely in the “thin” category. Those who are overweight and obese, while also those who are underweight (to some extent), derive no pleasure from going shopping, especially if they do so in the company of friends who also happen to look better than they do.

Conducted by Flinders University Professor Marika Tiggemann, the study learned that, for many women, shopping equaled a trip to some sort of “fantasy realm.” However, for most of those who took part in the survey (conducted on a shopping trip no less), it was far from an enjoyable experience. In fact, women who were weight-conscious would have rather been anywhere else than in the dressing room trying out outfits in front of a full mirror and under the harsh, cold light there usually is in stores.

“They’re looking for that one thing that makes them look absolutely gorgeous, and when they can’t find it, they get quite down. Women do like shopping. It has promise and hope but can turn into something that’s a bit depressing. The term retail therapy doesn’t actually apply to a lot of women.” Tiggemann says, based on the findings of the study. This feeling of disappointment can also be explained by the kind of expectations women have when walking in stores, and that are usually set so high, they therefore become completely unrealistic.

Still, retail analyst Stirling Griff disputes the findings, saying that it’s not so easy to dismiss the immediate positive effects of shopping. “Shopping is pretty much akin to sitting down and eating a box of chocolates – it’s one of those emotional things that makes you feel good.” Griff says.