How personality traits influence impulsive buying through the sequential mediation of family dynamics and self control

Abstract

Abstract The present investigates how personality traits influence impulsive buying (IB) among college students, emphasizing the mediating effects of family dynamics and self-control. Using a structural equation model, we analyzed responses from 578 college students in Gansu Province, China to explore the relationship between the Big Five personality traits, family dynamics, self-control, and IB tendencies. Neuroticism and extroversion are positively associated with IB, whereas conscientiousness is negatively associated with it. Family dynamics and self-control significantly mediate the relationship between personality traits and IB. This study reveals the complex interplay between individual personality traits and external factors in IB, and suggests a focus on family-specific and self-regulatory interventions. The findings provide educators and policymakers with practical strategies aimed at strengthening family relationships and self-control to curb IB behavior among youth. Furthermore, this study offers a novel perspective on IB by integrating personality traits, family dynamics, and self-control, thereby contributing valuable insights to the literature on consumer behavior as well as strategies to mitigate financial risk among young consumers.