Testing the Generalizability of Impulse Control Problems in Compulsive Buying

The present study investigated whether impulse control problems in compulsive buying are specific to consumer products, and are influenced by arousal or gender. Compulsive buyers (n = 52, mean age = 25.02, SD = 7.93, 45% male) and controls (n = 51, mean age = 28.36, SD = 13.51, 52% male) were screened using the Compulsive Buying Scale. Participants were randomized to an arousal induction (or not) and completed a modified go/no-go task in order to test impulse control for desirable consumer goods versus neutral targets. Compulsive buyers performed significantly worse than controls on all trials, demonstrating generalized problems with impulse control. No significant main effects or interactions were found for arousal or gender on go/no-go task performance. This study found evidence of generalized problems with impulse control in compulsive buying for both men and women. Impulse control training is indicated in psychological interventions for compulsive buying. A transdiagnostic perspective is also implicated across impulse control disorders to promote future research and treatments.