Impulsive spending involves making spontaneous, emotionally driven purchases.

Those struggling with emotion dysregulation and poor executive functioning have higher risk for impulse buys.

Skills and strategies from Dialectical Behavior Therapy can help prevent impulsive spending.

You are scrolling on your phone after a particularly stressful day when the ads start gliding by. The world’s softest pair of sweatpants, and they are on sale! A set of kettle bells that glow in the dark for your next disco workout. A slick, glossy polish that supposedly won’t wreck your nails (and if you buy three sets you won’t have to pay for shipping). After just a few taps, the items are in your cart, ready for check out.

Impulsive Versus Compulsive Spending

The urge to buy sometimes comes on so suddenly and strongly that it feels nearly impossible to resist. Some researchers make the distinction between impulsive versus compulsive spending. Impulsive spending is defined as spontaneous and emotionally driven, while compulsive spending is defined as more chronic in nature and leading to significant distress. Both, however, involve difficulties with self-regulation and can lead to lower well-being and financial hardship.

Risk Factors for Purchasing on a Whim

Compulsive buying has been increasing in prevalence over recent decades. Certain individuals seem to be more susceptible, including younger adults and individuals with difficulty problem solving, planning, and resisting distractions. One study found that adverse childhood experiences–such as experiencing abuse or neglect–were associated with emotion regulation problems and anxiety, each of which were also associated with impulsive spending. Another study similarly found that emotion dysregulation and impulsivity accounted for a relationship between childhood trauma and impulsive spending.

Although anyone can struggle with making purchases that are not thoroughly considered, certain mental health diagnoses are associated with impulsive spending. Research suggests that individuals with........

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