Compulsive buying behavior and its association with emotional distress, depression, and impulsivity in general population: an online survey

Abstract

Background Compulsive buying behavior or pathological buying is increasingly being recognized as a psychiatric disorder, and various psychosocial factors have been proposed to contribute to this problem. This study aimed to identify the association between compulsive buying behavior, stress, anxiety, depression, and impulsivity. Methods This cross-sectional, online survey used Google Forms to collect sociodemographic and clinical details of the participants between June 2021 and August 2021. In addition, they were evaluated on Pathological Buying Screener, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale – 21 (DASS-21), and Barratt Impulsiveness Scale – Brief (BIS-Brief). Results Out of 426 participants with valid responses, 169 (39.7%) qualified for pathological buying. The participant groups “with” and “without” pathological buying were comparable on sociodemographic characteristics, the preferred mode of shopping, and daily Internet use duration. Those “with” pathological buying scored significantly higher on DASS-21 and BIS-Brief. Both DASS-21 and BIS-Brief scores were predictors of pathological buying scores. Conclusions There is a significant association between pathological buying, psychological distress, and impulsivity.

Variability of Air Pollutants in the Indoor Air of a General Store

“…The US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the time spent by persons aged 15 years and over purchasing goods and services was 40.8 min/day in 2021 [1]. Even though this time is decreasing compared with the pre-pandemic period (45 min/day in 2019) and because of the growth of online shopping, people often go shopping not just to acquire stuff but also to alleviate emotional distress [2,3]. In Australia, a survey conducted from November 2020 to July 2021 showed that males shopped for 60 min/day while females shopped for 66 min [4].…”