Do people manage their emotions by buying impulsively, and why does it matter?

What is it about?

Using a large UK survey conducted with the BBC, we find that people who have the most difficulty managing their emotions are more likely to shop impulsively. We argue for understanding impulsive buying as often being used for managment of emotions and moods (similar to other problematic behaviours such as smoking, drinking and over-eating). We present evidence that impulsive buyers are significantly more likely to experience finacial difficulties.

Featured Image

Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash

Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Retail firms often devote much energy to capturing impulse purchases. Our research demonstrates the ways in which this may be most succesful with those most vulnerable to fiancial harm.