The correlation of compulsive buying and binge eating behaviors in female undergraduate college students

<p>The purpose of this study was to extend previous research by Faber et al. (1995) in which comorbidity (two or more disorders existing at the same time) was found between Binge Eating Disorder and compulsive buying behaviors in a clinical sample. Faber et al. explored whether a subset of impulse control disorders could be called "compulsive consumption" disorders. Participants in this study, 51 undergraduate, female students, aged 18-23, were obtained from the Introduction to Psychology subject pool at Rowan University. The subjects completed the Binge Eating Scale and Compulsive Buying Scale and a correlation was completed. The result was that a significant negative correlation was found between scores on the Binge Eating Scale and scores on the Compulsive Buying Scale. A higher score on the Binge Eating Scale indicated greater severity, whereas a lower score on the Compulsive Buying Scale indicated greater severity. The behaviors were not only likely to occur together, but also with the same level of severity. This finding further supports the possible link between compulsive consumption disorders. If such a subset exists, it may help to determine possible cause and treatment.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A. in Applied Psychology and Mental Health Counseling

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychology

Year dc:date.available

2002

Author dc:creator

• Clemente, Michele Z.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kerwin, Mary Louise

• Rowan University--Students; Compulsive eaters; Compulsive shopping; Women college students
• Psychology

Repository record dc:identifier

https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/1418

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:rdw.rowan.edu:etd-2418