An analysis of the effect of social conformity on compulsive shopping amongst students
Authors
Bleeks, Tara
Issue Date
2007
Degree
BA in Psychology
Publisher
Dublin Business School
Rights holder
Rights
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Abstract
The current research investigates compulsive shopping in relation to social conformity. It was hypothesized that, people who exhibit high levels of social conformity will show higher levels of compulsive shopping behaviour. The study employed a correlational design using a questionnaire consisting of two scales in order to conduct the research. The independent variable was the score the participant attained on the Attention to Social Comparison Information Scale (ATSCI). The dependent variable was the score the participant attained on the Compulsive Buying Scale (CBS). A student sample of 96 participants was employed. Results showed a strong positive correlation of r = .498 (n = 91, p < .01), indicating that high levels of social conformity are associated with high levels of compulsive buying.