Path analysis of influencing factors for hoarding among college Students

Abstract

Background: Hoarding may affect an individual’s daily life and mental health, moreover, it can gradually attract social attention and become a public health problem. Therefore, we explored the hoarding phenomenon and its influencing factors among college students in China to better understand the current status quo and how it is related to mental health issues. In addition, we describe appropriate interventions that could reduce the impact of hoarding. Methods: This cross-sectional study (N=3958) was conducted from September 2020 to December 2020. An online survey was used to collect demographic and psychological data about depression, compulsion and hoarding. Results: Of the 3958 students who completed the survey, 178 (4.5%) exhibited hoarding behaviors, and the results of the path analysis showed that life events and neurotic personality traits can influence hoarding directly and indirectly through compulsions. Conclusion: Obsessive-compulsive symptom plays a mediating role in the relationship between life events and neurotic personality traits.