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Debt out of control: The links between self-control, compulsive buying, and real debts

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  • Achtziger, Anja
  • Hubert, Marco
  • Kenning, Peter
  • Raab, Gerhard
  • Reisch, Lucia

Abstract

In a representative sample of the German population (n=946), we explored the links between self-control, compulsive buying, and debts. Participants completed the self-control scale (Tangney, Boone, & Baumeister, 2004) and the German Addictive Buying Scale (Raab, Neuner, Reisch, & Scherhorn, 2005). Additionally, they gave information about their real debts. It was observed that self-control was negatively related to debts while compulsive buying was positively related to debts. Detailed analyses revealed that the link between self-control and debts was fully mediated by compulsive buying. Finally, there was a gender effect on compulsive buying: women were more prone to compulsive buying than men. Age also was significantly negatively related to compulsive buying and positively linked to self-control. Household income was not linked to self-control, compulsive buying, and debts. Implications for practice, policy, and research are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Achtziger, Anja & Hubert, Marco & Kenning, Peter & Raab, Gerhard & Reisch, Lucia, 2015. "Debt out of control: The links between self-control, compulsive buying, and real debts," Journal of Economic Psychology, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 141-149.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:joepsy:v:49:y:2015:i:c:p:141-149
    DOI: 10.1016/j.joep.2015.04.003
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Self-control; Compulsive buying; Consumer debts; Indebtedness factors;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D1 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior
    • D14 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Household Saving; Personal Finance
    • D18 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - Consumer Protection

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