Cognitive processes associated with compulsive buying behaviours and related EEG coherence

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• Compulsive Buying (CB) is a behavioral disorder with known cognitive and behavioral aspects.
• The underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of CB, particularly executive processing and cue-reactivity, remain under-explored.
• Distinguishing CB from addiction and mood disorders requires understanding its unique neural signatures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the electrophysiology of compulsive buying (CB) focusing on executive processing and cue-reactivity.
• To identify differences in neural connectivity (EEG Coherence) associated with CB.
• To differentiate the neurophysiological profile of CB from addiction and mood disorders.

Main Methods:

• Utilized electroencephalography (EEG) coherence measures to assess neural connectivity.
• Participants (N=24) completed the Sensitivity to Punishment Sensitivity to Reward Questionnaire.
• A visual memory task involving shopping items was employed, analyzing EEG coherence for preferred and non-preferred items.

Main Results:

• Found widespread differences in EEG coherence across numerous brain regions in individuals with CB.
• Observed a left-shifted lateralization for preferred items and a right-shifted lateralization for non-preferred items.
• Identified distinct neurophysiological networks related to cue reactivity and episodic memory in CB, linked to heightened arousal and item attachment.

Conclusions:

• Compulsive buying is associated with specific neurophysiological networks differentiating it from other disorders.
• Executive processing and cue-reactivity play a significant role in the neural underpinnings of CB.
• EEG coherence analysis provides insights into the neural basis of compulsive buying behavior.