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Compulsive buying and risky behavior among adolescents
1Baylor University, Marketing Department, Waco, TX 76798-8007, USA. Jim_Roberts@Baylor.edu
Psychological Reports
|July 6, 2000
Summary
Teenagers who engage in compulsive buying also tend to exhibit other risky behaviors. This study found significant associations between compulsive buying and cigarette smoking, alcohol use, drug use, and premarital sex in adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Behavior
- Substance Use Research
Background:
- Compulsive buying is an impulse-control disorder.
- Adolescence is a critical period for the development of behavioral patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between compulsive buying and other risky behaviors in adolescents.
- To identify potential co-occurring behaviors associated with adolescent compulsive buying.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 111 adolescents aged 12-19.
- A validated scale measured compulsive buying tendencies.
- Self-report measures assessed cigarette smoking, alcohol use, drug use, and premarital sex.
Main Results:
- Compulsive buying was significantly correlated with cigarette smoking (r = .30).
- Compulsive buying was significantly correlated with alcohol use (r = .32).
- Compulsive buying was significantly correlated with drug use (r = .31) and premarital sex (r = .30).
Conclusions:
- Compulsive buying in adolescents is associated with multiple high-risk behaviors.
- Findings highlight the need for integrated interventions addressing compulsive buying and other risk behaviors in teenagers.
- Further research is recommended to explore causal pathways and develop targeted prevention strategies.