Undergraduate students’ shopping addiction: Predictors and outcomes

Abstract

The study examined the variables that predict shopping addiction and the potential consequences to money management satisfaction and frequency purchases among undergraduate students at Arcada University of Applied Sciences, Helsinki, Finland. The research model was developed by drawing from dimensions of theory of planned behavior and various research conducted in the field. 177 students completed the survey. Multiple linear regression analysis along correlation analysis was conducted to answer eight hypotheses. Hedonic attitude had the highest significant predictor score with β = .428. This would indicate purchasing for positive emotional experience may lead to shopping addiction among young adults. Furthermore, the highest correlation score was (r = - .42) for money management satisfaction. Indicating shopping addiction could negatively impact money management satisfaction. In general, young adults are a vulnerable group that could more easily fall into financial difficulties. The narrow focus in the sample restricts generalizing assumptions, hence, future research ought to include a wider demographic.