Compulsive Consumption Clinical Screener
CBS-ClinicalA clinical screening instrument to classify consumers as potential compulsive buyers. Compulsive buying is defined as a chronic, repetitive purchasing that becomes a primary response to negative events or feelings — producing short-term positive affect but significant long-term negative consequences for daily functioning.
7 items
1992
α 0.83–0.95
Free
Faber, R.J. & O'Guinn, T.C.
What it measures
The original and most-cited clinical classification tool for compulsive buying. Uses a weighted logistic regression algorithm — a score <=–1.34 classifies an individual as a compulsive buyer. Correctly classifies approximately 88% of respondents. Compulsive buyers show lower self-esteem, higher obsessive-compulsiveness, higher fantasy, higher guilt, and higher materialism than general consumers. About 6% of general population samples are classified as compulsive buyers.
Representative items
- Bought things even though I couldn't afford them.
- Felt others would be horrified if they knew of my spending habits.
- If I have any money left at the end of the pay period, I just have to spend it.
- Made only the minimum payments on my credit cards.
- Bought myself something in order to make myself feel better.
Citation
Faber, R.J., & O'Guinn, T.C. (1992). A clinical screener for compulsive buying. Journal of Consumer Research, 19(3), 459–469.