Date Approved

5-8-2002

Embargo Period

5-12-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. in Applied Psychology and Mental Health Counseling

Department

Psychology

College

College of Science & Mathematics

Advisor

Kerwin, Mary Louise

Subject(s)

Rowan University--Students; Compulsive eaters; Compulsive shopping; Women college students

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to extend previous research by Faber et al. (1995) in which comorbidity (two or more disorders existing at the same time) was found between Binge Eating Disorder and compulsive buying behaviors in a clinical sample. Faber et al. explored whether a subset of impulse control disorders could be called "compulsive consumption" disorders. Participants in this study, 51 undergraduate, female students, aged 18-23, were obtained from the Introduction to Psychology subject pool at Rowan University. The subjects completed the Binge Eating Scale and Compulsive Buying Scale and a correlation was completed. The result was that a significant negative correlation was found between scores on the Binge Eating Scale and scores on the Compulsive Buying Scale. A higher score on the Binge Eating Scale indicated greater severity, whereas a lower score on the Compulsive Buying Scale indicated greater severity. The behaviors were not only likely to occur together, but also with the same level of severity. This finding further supports the possible link between compulsive consumption disorders. If such a subset exists, it may help to determine possible cause and treatment.

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