Essay on Causes and Effects of Impulse Buying

Introduction

Impulse shopping is a phenomenon almost everyone in the modern world with expendable income has experienced at one point or another. However, when this compulsion is combined with the lack of control shopping on impulse can become an addiction, which, like many other addictions, can bring problems along with it.

Sheetal et al., (2016) write that impulsive shopping occurs when the decision-making process is disabled. In the long term, it becomes a disorder, one characterized by the uncontrollable urge to massively acquire unnecessary things. Typically, the disorder is accompanied with anxiety, nervousness and irritability.

Causes of impulsive buying

Currently, the exact causes of the disorder are still unknown, however, it is associated with emotional needs not being met and high levels of personal frustration. Individuals seek relief and escape in buying things. However, spending beyond one’s means can lead to further problems and even exacerbate the problem and fuel the addiction (Zambrano, 2014).

The preexistence of certain psychological traits (such as capriciousness), personal dissatisfaction, a low level of self-esteem, and a distrust of oneself can lead to psychological vulnerability towards messages promising happiness with goods or services (Vassiliki et al., 2015).

There are several theories suggesting that this disorder has biological causes linking it to unbalanced neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Soares (2016) suggest SSRIs and citalopram are currently used to treat this disorder, however, their efficiency is still unclear.

Consequences of impulsive buying

Zambrano (2014) explains that like other types of addictions, it brings with it a series of consequences for the individual, the most important of which is the economic. Buying compulsively damages the finances. In many cases the sufferers of this disease max out their credit cards in service to their addiction.

Edmund R et. Al (2014) suggest another consequence is psychological. There is typically a feeling of shame when one has lost control over one’s self. Not only are there financial problems, but also depression.

Conclusion

Impulsive purchases are a serious problem in modern society. Individuals who have risk factors must be made aware so that they’re prepared to seek guidance and help before harming themselves or others.

References

1. Célia Soares (2016). A Review of Pharmacologic Treatment for Compulsive Buying Disorder. CNS Drugs, April 2016, Volume 30, Issue 4, pp 281–291.
2. Edmund R. Thompson and Gerard P. Prendergast (2014). The influence of trait affect and the five-factor personality model on impulse buying. Personality and Individual Differences Volume 76, April 2015, Pages 216-221.
3. Gogoi, B. (2017). Effect of Store Design on Perceived Crowding and Impulse Buying Behavior. International Review of Management and Marketing, 7 (2), 180-186.
4. Kem Z.K. Zhang, Haiqin Xu, Sesia Zhao, Yugang Yu, “Online reviews and impulse buying behavior: the role of browsing and impulsiveness”, Internet Research https://doi.org/10.1108/IntR-12-2016-0377.
5. Sheetal Mittal, Neena Sondhi, Deepak Chawla (2016). Process of Impulse Buying: A Qualitative Exploration. Volume: 19 issue: 1, page(s): 131-146.
6. Tatiana Zambrano Filomensky (2014). Compulsive Buying Disorder. Textbook of Addiction Treatment: International Perspectives pp 1527-1542.
7. Vassiliki Grougiou, George Moschis, Ilias Kapoutsis, (2015) “Compulsive buying: the role of earlier-in-life events and experiences”, Journal of Consumer Marketing, Vol. 32 Issue: 4, pp.278-289.