Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.3/82158

Title

An examination of psychosocial factors associated with compulsive buying

Author(s)

Kyrios, Michael

Abstract

Few studies have examined factors that might distinguish compulsive buying (CB) from related disorders, or differences amongst those experiencing the range of problematic buying severity. Two studies were undertaken to examine a range of problem buying presentations and to better characterise the diagnostic profile of CB. Study 1 identified compulsive buyers from an internet-based survey, and compared them with more controlled buyers on a range of factors considered etiologically relevant. Study 2 compared cohorts with CB, obsessive-compulsive disorder, problem gambling and normal controls on measures assessing mood, impulsivity, obsessionality, reward dependence, other personality factors, and cognitions. In Study 1, 12% of respondents fulfilled CB criteria. Gender and income were not associated with problematic buying, but compulsive buyers spent a greater proportion of their income on non-essential purchases. Compulsive buyers were more likely to own many credit cards, and to report greater depression levels and compromised self construals. In Study 2, like impulse control disorders, CB was associated with high novelty seeking and impulsivity, as was problem gambling. In both studies, the severity of buying problems was best predicted by the degree of conviction in erroneous beliefs about buying, possessions and purchasing opportunities. CB is a common problem associated with financial disruption and mental health difficulties. Cognitions, self construals, personality and mood factors are all associated with CB. Compulsive buyers exhibit more similarities with impulse control disorders than obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This paper discusses the findings from diagnostic, etiological and phenomenological perspectives.

Publication type

Book chapter

Research centre

Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Life and Social Sciences. Brain Sciences Institute

Research centre

Swinburne University of Technology. Faculty of Life and Social Sciences. SwinPsyCHE

Source

Self-regulation and social competence: psychosocial studies in identity, achievement and work-family dynamics / McWelling Todman (ed.), Chapter 4, pp. 47-63

Publication year

2009

FOR Code(s)

170106 Health, Clinical and Counselling Psychology

Keyword(s)

Compulsive buying;  Impulse control;  Problem buying;  Psychosocial factors

Publisher

Athens Institute for Education and Research

ISBN

9789606672491

Publisher URL

http://www.atiner.gr/docs/2009Todman_CONT.htm

Copyright

Compilation copyright © 2008 by the Athens Institute for Education and Research. The individual essays remain the intellectual properties of the contributors.

Peer reviewed