The effect of individual differences on Pavlovian conditioning in specific Internet-use disorders.

The I-PACE model suggests that Internet-use disorders result from the interplay of individual vulnerabilities and cognitive and affective processes. As in substance use disorders, Pavlovian conditioning processes are attributed a key role. However, and despite progress in identifying individual vulnerabilities, factors influencing appetitive conditioning remain poorly understood. We therefore conducted a Pavlovian conditioning experiment in which individuals with risky as well as non-problematic use of either gaming or buying-shopping applications learned to associate different abstract stimuli with either gaming or buying-shopping. Regression analyses were used to identify individual characteristics influencing awareness of the experimental contingencies, speed of acquisition of awareness and the magnitude of the conditioned emotional responses regarding pleasantness and arousal ratings of the stimuli. Results demonstrated successful Pavlovian conditioning and an attentional bias towards reward-predicting cues. Awareness of the experimental contingencies was linked solely to cognitive abilities, while the speed of acquisition of awareness and the magnitude of conditioned responses was influenced by specific personality characteristics, experiences of compensation from using the application and severity of problematic use. Importantly, certain characteristics specifically predicted the magnitude of the conditioned response towards gaming, while others specifically predicted the response towards buying-shopping, highlighting differing vulnerabilities. These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and prevention strategies tailored to these specific vulnerability factors. Further implications and limitations are discussed.

The association between the coping attitudes and compulsive online buying behaviors of nurses.

AIM: The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the coping attitudes and compulsive online buying behaviors of nurses. METHODS: This descriptive and correlational study was conducted with 253 nurses working in a research and training hospital in Istanbul between June and December 2022. Data were collected using a 'Participant Information Form', the 'Coping Attitudes Assessment Scale (R-COPE)', and the 'Compulsive Online Shopping Scale (COSS)'. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple linear regression analysis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean R-COPE score of the participants was 87.79 ± 10.40, and their mean COSS score was 26.00 ± 25.03. There was a negative and statistically significant correlation between the total R-COPE scores and the total COSS scores of the participants (p < 0.01). The coping attitudes (ß = -0.147) were a significant and negative predictor of compulsive online buying behaviors. Marital status (ß = 0.152), frequency of access to the internet (ß = 0.273), frequency of online shopping (ß = 0.365), and monthly amount of money spent for online shopping (ß = 0.123) were significant and positive predictors of compulsive online buying behaviors. These variables collectively explained 33 % (R2 = 0.328, p = 0.000) of the total variance in the compulsive online buying behaviors of the participants. CONCLUSION: Nurses had moderate levels of coping attitudes and low levels of compulsive online buying behaviors. Having low levels of coping attitudes, being single, accessing the internet frequently, doing online shopping frequently and spending a high amount of money for online shopping every month predicted the compulsive online buying behaviors.

Do we really need financial literacy to access the behavioral dynamics of generation Z? A case of Oman.

The ability to manage money has been identified as a vital talent. In this context, financial literacy has a role to play. There are significant gaps, though, such as the financial connection to human behavior. The purpose of this study is to look at the overall effects of financial literacy (FL) on the behavioural aspects of materialism (ML), compulsive buying (CB), and tendency to debt (TD). It attempts to develop and evaluate a model that is based on these variables and to examine the relationships between these research constructs. The study looked at 233 respondents mainly students studying in Omani universities. A comprehensive literature review, confirmatory factorial analysis, Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), and comprehensive analysis were used to develop research hypotheses. The primary findings suggested that financial literacy had the most significant impact on compulsive purchasing behaviour in comparison to materialism and the propensity to accumulate debt, among the direct relationships that were suggested. The study's findings have important implications for the formulation of public policy and other interested parties, as financial literacy is advantageous for individuals with poor financial health and facilitates the participation in other psychological behaviours.

Stress and compulsive buying-shopping disorder: A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Theoretical frameworks of behavioral addictions mostly acknowledge the role of stress in the development and maintenance of these disorders, models of compulsive buying-shopping disorder (CBSD) however rarely incorporated stress. The association between stress and CBSD has not been reviewed yet. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted to evaluate empirical results on the association between stress and CBSD. A comprehensive search string was employed in three databases. RESULTS: 16 studies were included. Correlative studies suggested significant correlations between general perceived stress and CBSD symptom severity. Studies involving mean comparisons found higher general perceived stress levels in persons with problematic buying-shopping behavior/CBSD compared to control participants (large effects). Mixed results were found in studies involving regression/structural equation models and ecological momentary assessments. One study with a stress/negative mood induction observed more CBSD symptoms in a high stress group compared to a low stress group. DISCUSSION: The studies are heterogeneous concerning design, samples and measures. Only very few studies surpass the level of cross-sectional correlative data which limits the ability to draw clear conclusions. Future research should study the impact of experimentally induced stress on CBSD symptoms, examine the relationship between stress and CBSD longitudinally and assess objective stress markers.

Psychosocial Functioning of Individuals at Risk of Developing Compulsive Buying Disorder.

(1) Background: This study aimed to establish the connection between depressiveness, workaholism, eating disorders, and personality traits, according to the five-point model called the Big Five, in women with a risk of compulsive buying disorder. (2) Methods: The study was conducted on 556 Polish women from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship. The study employed the diagnostic survey method using a questionnaire technique including Personality Inventory NEO-FFI, the Buying Behaviour Scale, the Beck Depression Inventory I-II, the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, and a self-questionnaire. (3) Results: The analysis revealed the risk of compulsive buying being accompanied by a higher median score for depressiveness, neuroticism, Cognitive Restraint of Eating, Uncontrolled Eating, and a risk of workaholism. A lower score in the respondents in the compulsive buying risk group was observed in an assessment of agreeableness and conscientiousness. Work addiction was exhibited by 26% of people with compulsive buying disorder vs. 12% of people without it. (4) Conclusion: This study found that a high risk of compulsive buying disorder is accompanied by a high risk of moderate depressiveness, neuroticism, Cognitive Restraint of Eating, Uncontrolled Eating, and workaholism. It also confirmed the view that compulsive buying is a behavioural addiction which is a consequence of ineffective coping and being dissatisfied with one's social life.

Impulse Control Disorders in Parkinson's Disease and Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes-Is There a Difference?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Impulse control disorders (ICDs) are characterized by potentially harmful actions resulting from disturbances in the self-control of emotions and behavior. ICDs include disorders such as gambling, hypersexuality, binge eating, and compulsive buying. ICDs are known non-motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease (PD) and are associated primarily with the use of dopaminergic treatment (DRT) and especially dopamine agonists (DA). However, in atypical parkinsonism (APS), such as progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) or multiple system atrophy (MSA), there are only single case reports of ICDs without attempts to determine the risk factors for their occurrence. Moreover, numerous reports in the literature indicate increased impulsivity in PSP. Our study aimed to determine the frequency of individual ICDs in APS compared to PD and identify potential factors for developing ICDs in APS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our prospective study included 185 patients with PD and 35 with APS (27 patients with PSP and 9 with MSA) hospitalized between 2020 and 2023 at the Neurological Department of University Central Hospital in Katowice. Each patient was examined using the Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease (QUIP) to assess ICDs. Additionally, other scales were used to assess the advancement of the disease, the severity of depression, and cognitive impairment. Information on age, gender, age of onset, disease duration, and treatment used were collected from medical records and patient interviews. RESULTS: ICDs were detected in 23.39% of patients with PD (including binge eating in 11.54%, compulsive buying in 10.44%, hypersexuality in 8.79%, and pathological gambling in 4.40%), in one patient with MSA (hypersexuality and pathological gambling), and in 18.52% of patients with PSP (binge eating in 3.70%, compulsive buying in 7.41%, and hypersexuality in 11.11%). We found no differences in the frequency of ICDs between individual diseases (p = 0.4696). We confirmed that the use of higher doses of DA and L-dopa in patients with PD, as well as a longer disease duration and the presence of motor complications, were associated with a higher incidence of ICDs. However, we did not find any treatment effect on the incidence of ICDs in APS. CONCLUSIONS: ICDs are common and occur with a similar frequency in PD and APS. Well-described risk factors for ICDs in PD, such as the use of DRT or longer disease duration, are not fully reflected in the risk factors for ICDs in APS. This applies especially to PSP, which, unlike PD and MSA, is a tauopathy in which, in addition to the use of DRT, other mechanisms related to the disease, such as disorders in neuronal loops and neurotransmitter deficits, may influence the development of ICDs. Further prospective multicenter studies recruiting larger groups of patients are needed to fully determine the risk factors and mechanisms of ICD development in APS.

Case report: Dopamine Dysregulation Syndrome, mania, and compulsive buying in a patient with Parkinson's disease.

Neuropsychiatric symptoms and syndromes are among the most common non-motor symptoms of Parkinson's Disease but they are frequently unrecognized and untreated. Dopamine Dysregulation Syndrome is an uncommon complication of the treatment of Parkinson's disease, characterized by an addictive use of dopamine far more than the dosage required for treatment of objective motor impairment, leading to severe dyskinesia, euphoria, aggressivity, or psychosis. We present a paradigmatic case of Dopamine Dysregulation Syndrome, Mania, and Compulsive Buying in a 55-year-old male with Parkinson's Disease. We also reviewed the risk factors and the therapeutic management of Dopamine Dysregulation Syndrome in Parkinson's Disease.

Correlatos neuroanatómicos y neuropsicológicos del comportamiento de adicción a las compras. Una revisión sistemática / Neuroanatomical and neuropsychological correlates of shopping addiction behaviour. A systematic review

Introducción: La incidencia de la compra compulsiva ha aumentado en las últimas dos décadas y supone un impacto negativo sustancial en el funcionamiento general de los consumidores. No obstante, a pesar de su relevancia clínica, todavía se desconocen los mecanismos neuropsicológicos y los correlatos neurales subyacentes a este fenómeno. Asimismo, el comportamiento de compra compulsiva continúa sin reconocerse como una categoría diagnóstica perteneciente a los trastornos adictivos. Objetivo El objetivo del estudio es analizar de forma sistemática la evidencia empírica disponible sobre la compra compulsiva con la finalidad de identificar las variables neuropsicológicas y los correlatos neurales subyacentes. Materiales y métodos Se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed, Scopus y ScienceDirect sobre los mecanismos subyacentes a este fenómeno. Resultados Los resultados muestran únicamente 11 estudios recientes que indagan sobre estos mecanismos. Además, se realizó un registro previo del protocolo de esta revisión sistemática en el registro internacional PROSPERO (número de registro CRD42023427497). Conclusiones Los estudios analizados aluden a una alteración en la función ejecutiva, en la toma de decisiones y en la sensibilidad a la recompensa, y una tendencia a la reactividad de señales relacionadas con las compras. Este patrón conductual parece implicar una pérdida del control del comportamiento vinculado a la desregulación de estructuras como el estriado y las regiones frontales. Se examinan los resultados obtenidos y se analizan las similitudes existentes con los mecanismos subyacentes a otras adicciones. (AU)

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of compulsive buying has increased over the last two decades and it has a substantial negative impact on consumers’ overall functioning. However, despite its clinical relevance, the neuropsychological mechanisms and neural correlates underlying this phenomenon are still unknown. Also, compulsive buying behaviour remains unrecognised as a diagnostic category belonging to addictive disorders. AIM The aim of the study is to systematically analyse the available empirical evidence on compulsive buying in order to identify the underlying neuropsychological variables and neural correlates. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed, Scopus and ScienceDirect were searched for the mechanisms behind this phenomenon. RESULTS The results show only 11 recent studies that investigate these mechanisms. In addition, the protocol of this systematic review was pre-registered in the international PROSPERO register (registration number CRD42023427497). CONCLUSIONS The studies reviewed refer to impaired executive functions, decision-making and sensitivity to rewards, and a tendency to reactivity to purchase-related cues. This pattern of behaviour appears to involve a loss of behavioural control linked to dysregulation of structures such as the striatum and frontal regions. The results obtained are examined and similarities with the mechanisms underlying other addictions are discussed. (AU)

The mediating role of FoMO and the moderating role of narcissism in the impact of social exclusion on compulsive buying: a cross-cultural study.

BACKGROUND: There is an interrelationship between the concepts of social exclusion, compulsive buying behavior, fear of missing out (FoMO), and narcissism. Nevertheless, the extent to which these concepts mediate or moderate their relationships with each other has not been efficiently investigated. OBJECTIVE: This research aims to investigate how FoMO mediates and narcissism moderates the correlation between social exclusion and compulsive buying behavior. In addition, the research aims to test a conceptual model and highlight the differences that may occur in the conceptual model proposed in two different countries. METHODS: This model was analyzed among 1007 university students (Turkey = 506, Denmark = 501). The study used scales to measure social exclusion, compulsive buying behavior, FoMO, and narcissism. The study employed PROCESS Model 4 to analyze direct and indirect (mediation) effects and PROCESS Model 59 to assess conditional (moderation) effects. Furthermore, the Johnson-Neyman technique was utilized to investigate interaction terms. RESULTS: The findings indicate that those who face social exclusion tend to participate more in compulsive buying, and this connection is partly explained by FoMO. This suggests that individuals who encounter social exclusion may have an increased likelihood of experiencing FoMO, which may subsequently contribute to compulsive buying behavior. Furthermore, the moderating effect of narcissism differed between the Turkey and Danish samples. Specifically, in the Turkey sample, narcissism only modified the connection between social exclusion and FoMO, while in the Danish sample, it impacted both the connection between social exclusion and FoMO and the connection between FoMO and compulsive buying. CONCLUSION: The obtained results show that the regulating role of narcissism is different in Turkey and Denmark within the conceptual model we studied.

The personality puzzle: a comprehensive analysis of its impact on three buying behaviors.

This study aimed at examining the role of personality traits in impulsive buying, compulsive buying, and panic buying simultaneously during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the beginning of the third confinement announced by the Portuguese government, 485 Portuguese answered in this study, mean age of 41.9 years (min = 18, max = 84; SD = 12.9), and 29.9% were men. Analyzes were carried out to investigate the association of Big Five's personality factors with impulsive buying, compulsive buying, and panic buying. Results showed that the three buying behaviors under study have significant and positive correlations between them, and they also correlate with different personality traits. The association of each Big Five factor on buying behaviors differed. While conscientiousness was negatively and openness was positively associated with impulsive buying, conscientiousness was negatively associated with compulsive buying, agreeableness was positively associated with panic buying, and neuroticism correlated positively with all consumer behaviors. Understanding the personality traits that contribute to the development of a disorder may provide valuable insight into preventive measures and effective treatment approaches for some debilitating disorders. This study opens ways for investigating impulsive buying and compulsive buying by relating them to panic buying. It discusses the three different buying behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic and future consumer research directions involving other variables.

Impulse Control Disorders in the Polish Population of Patients with Parkinson's Disease.

Background and Objectives: Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases in the world. It is characterized by the presence of not only typical motor symptoms but also several less known and aware non-motor symptoms (NMS). The group of disorders included in the NMS is Impulse Control Disorders (ICDs). ICDs are a group of disorders in which patients are unable to resist temptations and feel a strong, pressing desire for specific activities such as gambling, hypersexuality, binge eating, and compulsive buying. The occurrence of ICDs is believed to be associated primarily with dopaminergic treatment, with the use of dopamine agonists (DA), and to a lesser extent with high doses of L-dopa. The aim of our study was to develop a profile of Polish ICDs patients and assess the frequency of occurrence of ICDs, as well as determine the risk factors associated with these disorders against the background of the PD population from other countries. Materials and Methods: Our prospective study included 135 patients with idiopathic PD who were hospitalized between 2020 and 2022 at the Neurological Department of University Central Hospital in Katowice. In the assessment of ICDs, we used the Questionnaire for Impulsive-Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's Disease (QUIP). Other scales with which we assessed patients with PD were as follows: MDS-UPDRS part III and modified Hoehn-Yahr staging. Clinical data on age, gender, disease duration and onset, motor complications, and medications were collected from electronic records. Results: ICDs were detected in 27.41% of PD patients (binge eating in 12.59%, hypersexuality in 11.11%, compulsive buying in 10.37%, and pathological gambling occurred in only 5.19% of patients. In total, 8.89% had two or more ICDs). The major finding was that ICDs were more common in patients taking DA than in those who did not use medication from this group (83.78% vs. 54.07%, respectively; p = 0.0015). Patients with ICDs had longer disease duration, the presence of motor complications, and sleep disorders. An important finding was also a very low detection of ICDs in a routine medical examination; only 13.51% of all patients with ICDs had a positive medical history of this disorder. Conclusions: ICDs are relatively common in the population of Polish PD patients. The risk factors for developing ICDs include longer duration of the disease, presence of motor complications, sleep disorders, and use of DA and L-dopa. Due to the low detectability of ICDs in routine medical history, it is essential for physicians to pay more attention to the possibility of the occurrence of these symptoms, especially in patients with several risk factors. Further prospective studies on a larger group of PD patients are needed to establish a full profile of Polish PD patients with ICDs.

Update on treatment studies for compulsive buying-shopping disorder: A systematic review.

Background and aims: Compulsive buying-shopping disorder (CBSD) is mentioned as an example of other specified impulse control disorders in the ICD-11 coding tool, highlighting its clinical relevance and need for treatment. The aim of the present work was to provide a systematic update on treatment studies for CBSD, with a particular focus on online CBSD. Method: The preregistered systematic review (PROSPERO, CRD42021257379) was performed in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 statement. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and PsycInfo databases. Original research published between January 2000 and December 2022 was included. Risk of reporting bias was evaluated with the CONSORT guideline for randomized controlled trials. Effect sizes for primary CBSD outcomes were calculated. Results: Thirteen studies were included (psychotherapy: 2 open, 4 waitlist control design; medication: 2 open, 3 placebo-controlled, 2 open-label phase followed by a double-blind discontinuation phase; participants treatment/control 349/149). None of the studies addressed online CBSD. Psychotherapy studies suggest that group cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective in reducing CBSD symptoms. Pharmacological studies with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors or topiramate did not indicate superiority over placebo. Predictors of treatment outcome were rarely examined, mechanisms of change were not studied at all. Risk of reporting bias was high in most studies. Discussion: Poor methodological and low quality of reporting of included studies reduce the reliability of conclusions. There is a lack of studies targeting online CBSD. More high-quality treatment research is needed with more emphasis on the CBSD subtype and mechanisms of change.

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

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.

Online compulsive buying-shopping disorder and social networks-use disorder: More similarities than differences?

BACKGROUND: Studies in convenience, non-clinical samples of young adults suggest overlap between online compulsive buying-shopping disorder (OCBSD) and social-networks-use disorder (SNUD). Considering the dearth of research, this study investigated OCBSD and SNUD in clinical samples. METHODS: Women with either OCBSD (n = 37) or SNUD (n = 41) were compared regarding sociodemographic variables, use time of the first-choice application, OCBSD/SNUD severity, general internet use, impulsivity, materialism, perceived chronic stress and the frequency of viewing posts of influencers and the urge to visit shopping websites or social networks after viewing influencer posts. RESULTS: Women in the OCBSD group were older, more often employed, had less often a qualification for university entrance, indicated a lower daily use time of the first-choice application and higher materialistic values as compared to those in the SNUD group. No group differences emerged regarding general internet use, impulsivity and chronic stress. Regression models indicate that chronic stress predicted the symptom severity in the SNUD but not in the OCBSD group. The SNUD group reported a higher frequency of viewing influencer posts as compared to the OCBSD group. The urge for online shopping or using social networks after viewing influencer posts did not significantly differ between both groups. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest commonalities and distinct features of OCBSD and SNUD which require further investigation.

Materialism and envy as mediators between upward social comparison on social network sites and online compulsive buying among college students.

Upward social comparison on Social Network Sites (SNS) might be positively related to online compulsive buying; however, there is little understanding of the mechanism of this relationship. In this study, we explored the effect of upward social comparison on SNS on online compulsive buying, and whether this effect is mediated by materialism and envy. A total of 568 Chinese undergraduates (mean age = 19.58 years, SD = 1.43) were recruited to complete a survey that included Upward social comparison on SNS Scale, Materialism Scale, Envy Scale, and Online compulsive buying Scale. The results revealed that upward social comparison was positively linked to online compulsive buying. Additionally, materialism and envy completely mediated this relationship. Our findings suggest that upward social comparison has a positive influence on college students' online compulsive buying and that this influence is formed through a combination of cognitive factors (materialism) and affective factors (envy). This discovery not only clarifies the underlying mechanism but also proposes a potential way of alleviating online compulsive buying.

Severity of behavioral addiction symptoms among young adults using non-prescribed sedatives/hypnotics.

Introduction: Young adulthood is considered a critical period in terms of non-medical use of sedatives/hypnotics (NMUSH) as well as different types of behavioral addictions (BAs). However, the relationship between these behaviors has received scarce attention among young adult samples. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the association between NMUSH and symptoms of distinct BAs among young adults. Materials and methods: Analyses were conducted based on the data of two large sample studies (including a representative sample) carried out with young adult samples. The following BAs were assessed: problematic internet use, problematic video gaming, problematic social media use, problem gambling, exercise addiction, eating disorders, compulsive buying behavior, problematic mobile phone use, work addiction, and hair pulling. Symptoms of distinct BAs were analyzed in three groups formed based on the NMUSH: non-users, lifetime users, and current users. Results: The symptoms of problematic internet use, problematic social media use, problem gambling, exercise addiction, eating disorders, compulsive buying behavior and work addiction were significantly more severe among lifetime and/or current non-medical sedative and hypnotic users, compared to the non-user participants. The symptoms of problematic mobile phone use were the most severe in the non-user group. Conclusions: The results suggest co-occurrence between NMUSH and distinct BAs among young adults. These findings draw attention to the need for preventive interventions for this high-risk population.

Purchasing Under the Influence of Alcohol: The Impact of Hazardous and Harmful Patterns of Alcohol Consumption, Impulsivity, and Compulsive Buying.

The current research examined how hazardous and harmful patterns of alcohol consumption, problematic online shopping when drinking alcohol, impulsivity, and compulsive buying were associated with and predicted the frequency of making purchases while under the influence of alcohol. A sample of American adults between the ages of 25 and 64 who reported having at least one drink per week over the past 6 months were surveyed. Regression-based path modeling revealed for those who made online purchases while moderately intoxicated, hazardous and harmful patterns of drinking alcohol and, problematic online shopping when drinking alcohol, predicted the frequency of making purchases while intoxicated. For those who made online purchases while heavily intoxicated, hazardous and harmful patterns of drinking alcohol, impulsivity, problematic online shopping when drinking alcohol, and compulsive buying predicted the frequency of making purchases while intoxicated. We explain our findings by suggesting individuals engage in frequent drunk purchases because they are motivated to alleviate their negative mood states.

Implications of Socio-Cultural Pressure for a Thin Body Image on Avoidance of Social Interaction and on Corrective, Compensatory or Compulsive Shopping Behaviour.

This paper aims to discuss the implications of body talk and socio-cultural pressure for the internalisation of a thin body image in purchase decisions, shopping habits and other outcomes of body dissatisfaction, in particular the proneness to avoid human/social interaction in retail contexts and proneness to engage in corrective, compensatory or compulsive shopping behaviour. This paper conducted an online questionnaire that measured the following constructs: body mass index; Socio-cultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Scale-4 (SATAQ-4), Body Appreciation Scale (BAS-2), Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale (ACSS), Compulsive Buying Follow-up Scale (CBFS), proneness to avoid social interaction in retail contexts, and the intention to purchase a list of products and services as a compensation for body dissatisfaction. A structural equations model supported the hypotheses proposing the influence of BAS-2 and SATAQ-4 (the internalisation of thin/athletic body and the social comparison induced by family, peers and media) upon the outcomes of social-interaction avoidance, ACSS and CBFS. Nevertheless, BAS-2 only influences social-interaction avoidance. This paper provides several recommendations to brand managers highlighting the social responsibility role of brand advertising in enhancing positive body appreciation, mitigating the psychological damage caused by socio-cultural pressure and preventing the stigmatisation bias against obese people.

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

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.

A Hierarchical Personality Approach Toward a Fuller Understanding of Onychophagia and Compulsive Buying.

PURPOSE: Employing a hierarchical model of personality, prior research suggests that cardinal traits such as conscientiousness and agreeability predict central traits such as materialism and need for arousal that in turn impact surface traits such as onychophagia and compulsive buying. More research is needed to explore additional central traits and their effect on onychophagia and compulsive buying. Thus, the goal of the current research is to examine how another central trait-negative perfectionism-impacts onychophagia and compulsive buying. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A survey was administered both online and face-to-face resulting in a sample of 634 subjects of which 391 were individuals with onychophagia. Through a multi-group analysis, a causal model was tested to identify personality traits and their relationship with compulsive buying. RESULTS: Results showed that onychophagia was affected by other obsessive-compulsive disorders-particularly trichotillomania, and excoriation disorder, which significantly increased the likelihood that the participant was a compulsive buyer.