Investigating the Roles of Affective Processes, Trait Impulsivity, and Working Memory in Impulsive Buying Behaviors

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to test the reliability and validity of a scale for impulsive purchases. We also explored the interaction between two distinct facets of affective processes (hedonic pleasures and negative affect reduction), trait impulsivity, and working memory in impulsive buying behavior. We recruited 155 undergraduate students (late adolescence—early 20s) as they represent a cohort in which financial independence is relatively recent and they are required to assume financial responsibility for their purchasing decisions. The findings indicated that affective processes (hedonic pleasures and negative affect reduction) and some aspects of trait impulsivity (motor impulsivity and cognitive complexity) were significant and unique predictors of impulsive buying behavior. However, working memory did not predict impulsive shopping. The model that provided the best fit using the data was one where affective processes and trait impulsivity were independent predictors of impulsive behaviors. A novel contribution of the present study is the development and investigation of the reliability and validity of a scale that taps the role of negative mood reduction as a driving force behind impulsive buying.