2. Literature Review and Development of Hypotheses
Compulsive Buying
Compulsive buying is a dysfunctional behavior (Dittmar 2005) which causes serious psychological harm and often leads to substantial debt (e.g. Benson 2000; Dittmar 2004). Different authors have defined this phenomenon in different ways (see the Table 1). Perhaps, the most cited definition is given by O’Guinn and Faber (1989, p.155), i.e., compulsive buying “is a chronic, repetitive purchasing behavior that becomes a primary response to negative events or feelings”. Usually, compulsive buyers consider shopping as a way to escape from their emotional sufferings such as anxiety, fears, mental agony, frustration, pains and stress (Faber, O’Guinn & Reymond 1987; Jalees 2007; Neuner et al. 2005). Additionally, enhancing self-esteem and social status also motivate some individuals to consume excessively (Xu 2008; Yurchisin & Johnson 2004).