The prevalence of compulsive buying: a meta‐analysis

Abstract

Aims To estimate the pooled prevalence of compulsive buying behaviour (CBB) in different populations and to determine the effect of age, gender, location and screening instrument on the reported heterogeneity in estimates of CBB and whether publication bias could be identified. Methods Three databases were searched (Medline, PsychInfo, Web of Science) using the terms 'compulsive buying', 'pathological buying' and 'compulsive shopping' to estimate the pooled prevalence of CBB in different populations. Forty studies reporting 49 prevalence estimates from 16 countries were located (n = 32 000). To conduct the meta-analysis, data from non-clinical studies regarding mean age and gender proportion, geographical study location and screening instrument used to assess CBB were extracted by multiple independent observers and evaluated using a random-effects model. Four a priori subgroups were analysed using pooled estimation (Cohen's Q) and covariate testing (moderator and meta-regression analysis). Results The CBB pooled prevalence of adult representative studies was 4.9% (3.4-6.9%, eight estimates, 10 102 participants), although estimates were higher among university students: 8.3% (5.9-11.5%, 19 estimates, 14 947 participants) in adult non-representative samples: 12.3% (7.6-19.1%, 11 estimates, 3929 participants) and in shopping-specific samples: 16.2% (8.8-27.8%, 11 estimates, 4686 participants). Being young and female were associated with increased tendency, but not location (United States versus non-United States). Meta-regression revealed large heterogeneity within subgroups, due mainly to diverse measures and time-frames (current versus life-time) used to assess CBB. Conclusions A pooled estimate of compulsive buying behaviour in the populations studied is approximately 5%, but there is large variation between samples accounted for largely by use of different time-frames and measures.

Impulsivity and impulse control disorders in pregnancy

“…It is estimated that the frequency of CB is around 6-7% around the world [20]. Little is known about the relationship between CB and gender.…”

Brauchen versus kaufen: Wenn Warenkonsum zur Sucht wird

“…Item Antwortformat Wie oft kommt es vor,… nie (1) selten (2) manchmal (3) oft (4) sehr oft (5) [Maraz et al, 2016]. In spezifischen Populationen, z.B.…”

“…In spezifischen Populationen, z.B. bei Studenten, liegt die angenommene Prävalenz deutlich höher (8,3%) [Maraz et al, 2016]. In der deutschen Studie zur Validierung des oben beschriebenen PBS (N = 2403) zeigte sich eine geschätzte Prävalenz von 4,8% in der Allgemeinbevölkerung [Müller et al, 2015b].…”

“…Kritisch anzumerken ist, dass die genannten Angaben zur Zunahme von pathologischem Kaufen in der deutschen Bevölkerung auf dem Vergleich querschnittlicher Fragebogenuntersuchungen fußen und dass sie keine Prävalenz von pathologischem Kaufen abgebildet haben, sondern lediglich die Neigung hierzu in der Bevölkerung erfassen konnten. Für die Bestimmung der Prävalenz von pathologischem Kaufen bedarf es einheitlicher, anerkannter Diagnosekriterien und interviewbasierter, repräsentativer Bevölkerungserhebungen [Maraz et al, 2016].…”

“…Während einige Studien eine erhöhte Prävalenz bei Frauen berichteten, konnte dieser Unterschied in anderen Studien nicht festgestellt werden [Maraz et al, 2016]. Zudem verliert sich ein möglicher Geschlechterunterschied in den jüngeren Altersgruppen, was durch eine höhere materielle Werteorientierung in diesem Alter erklärbar sein könnte [Dittmar, 2005a].…”