Exploring the associations between early maladaptive schemas and impulsive and compulsive buying tendencies

• Main Author: Rocha, Susana
• Publication Date: 2023
• Other Authors: Fernández, Xosé Manuel, Castro, Yolanda Rodríguez, Ferreira, Simão, da Conceição Teixeira, Liliana, Campos, Carlos, Rocha, Nuno Barbosa
• Format: Article
• Language: eng
• Source: Repositórios Científicos de Acesso Aberto de Portugal (RCAAP)
• Download full: http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/9068
• topic: Early maladaptive schemas; Impulsive buying; Compulsive buying; Buying addiction; Consumer behavior

The main purpose of this preliminary study was to investigate a potential relationship between early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) and impulsive and compulsive buying tendencies in a sample of young adults (college students). This research adds to the cognitive perspective of consumer behavior that the cognitive schemas putatively associated with early experiences may have a strong impact on impulsive and compulsive buying. Data was obtained from 365 participants in a cross-sectional study design. Participants completed an online survey with the following instruments: Young Schema Questionnaire; Impulsive Buying Tendency Measurement Scale; Richmond Compulsive Buying Scale; and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Using multiple linear hierarchical regressions, we confirmed that the domain of over vigilance and inhibition schemas was positively associated with impulsive and compulsive buying tendencies, while an opposite association was found for the domain of impaired limits. Being a female was also a predictor of impulsive buying and compulsive buying. The results were discussed in terms of the coping mechanisms to deal with negative emotions, as a way to obtain rewards, or as a way to escape painful self-awareness. Other mechanisms related to the internalization of perfectionist expectations and the propensity to shame were also explored. Copyright © 2023 Rocha, Fernández, Castro, Ferreira, Teixeira, Campos and Rocha.