Typologies of Compulsive Buying Behavior: A Constrained Clusterwise Regression Approach

We present a theoretical framework that posits compulsive buying behavior as a function of various psychological processes and personality traits. We analyze data from actual consumers using a new constrained maximum likelihood clusterwise regression procedure to examine the nature of consumer heterogeneity in compulsive buying behavior. This empirical analysis distinguishes between 2 clusters, or groups, of compulsive buyers in terms of differential drivers of their compulsive buying. A posterior regression analysis reveals additional differences in background characteristics for each cluster. A discussion of future research issues and other applications is provided.