Credit Card Use and Compulsive Buying Behavior
Arpita Khare
ABSTRACT. Compulsive buying behavior is a negative form of behavior that leads to overspending. In
the current study, the author examines the applicability of a compulsive buying behavior scale developed
by Valence et al. (1988) with Indian consumers. Compulsive buyers are likely to relate money to power,
success, and status. Compulsive buyers perceive their purchases as a way of overcoming negative
self-esteem and anxiety. The influence of consumers’ attitude toward credit cards, demographic factors,
and credit card use on compulsive buying was studied. The findings suggest the compulsive behavior
scale should be modified in the Indian context. Age, income, education, and marital status influence
compulsive buying. Consumers’ attitude toward credit cards did not affect compulsive buying.
KEYWORDS. Compulsive buying, credit card, age, income, marital status, Indian consumers