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Consumer characteristics associated with compulsive buying

Author

Listed:
  • Ronald E. Goldsmith
  • Leisa Reinecke Flynn
  • Elizabeth B. Goldsmith

Abstract

Compulsive buying is part of overall consumer spending in the U.S. and can be a personal problem for those whose financial resources cannot support it. The present study describes three psychological traits that appear to promote compulsive buying. Data from a survey of 464 U.S. college students show that compulsive buying relates positively to brand engagement in self-concept and to status consumption, but negatively to being frugal. In this study, females and younger buyers show more compulsive buying, but income does not relate to the focal concept. The findings suggest that while demographic characteristics might explain or predict compulsive buying, it is primarily a psychological phenomenon. Still, compulsive buying is only one element of a constellation of individual differences that predispose some consumers to buy compulsively.

Suggested Citation

  • Ronald E. Goldsmith & Leisa Reinecke Flynn & Elizabeth B. Goldsmith, 2015. "Consumer characteristics associated with compulsive buying," Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, St. Thomas University, vol. 7(3), pages 21-38, Spring.
    • Handle: RePEc:jmr:journl:v:7:n:3:y:2015:p:21-38
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    compulsive buying; college students; consumer behavior; status consumption; brand engagement; frugality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D12 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Economics: Empirical Analysis
    • D1 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior

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