The Maladaptive Pursuit of Consumption: the Impact of Materialism, Pain of Paying, Social Anxiety, Social Support, and Loneliness on Compulsive Buying

Abstract

The current research examined the capability of materialism, pain of paying, social anxiety, social support, and loneliness to predict compulsive buying. A sample of students attending a public university located in the northeast USA were surveyed. A multiple regression indicated materialism, pain of paying, anhedonia, coping with substances, and social support received from family were predictors of compulsive buying. Pain of paying was the strongest predictor of compulsive buying. Understanding factors that affect compulsive buying aids the identification of compulsive buying and informs the treatment of compulsive buying. Treatment models may be more effective if additional attention is given to addressing and developing social support networks of compulsive buyers. Such social support may act as a buffer against the social anxiety compulsive buyers experience and may help reduce feelings of anhedonia and use of substances to control social anxiety.