Fundamentals of Mental Health

Fundamentals of Mental Health

The alternative five-factor personality model and compulsive buying among students: The mediating role of coping strategies and sex role

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Hasan Sepahvand 1
Sanaz Eyni 2
Amir Zanganeh Ebrahimi 1
1 MA. in clinical psychology, Department of Psychology, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.
2 Assistant professor, Department of Psychology, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran.
10.22038/JFMH.2025.83161.3176
Abstract
Introduction: This study investigated the relationship between the Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire (ZKPQ) components and tendencies towards compulsive buying in university students, with the mediating role of coping strategies and masculinity-femininity.
 
Materials and Methods: The target population included all students of the University of Kurdistan during the academic year 2023-2024, from whom 340 individuals were purposefully sampled. Data collection utilized the Edwards Compulsive Buying Scale (ECBS), ZKPQ-50-CC Personality Questionnaire, Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS), and Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI). Data was analyzed using path analysis, SPSS 26, and LISREL 8.8 software.
 
Results: The results indicated that the dimensions of the five-factor personality model (neuroticism-anxiety, activity, sociability, impulsive sensation seeking, aggression-hostility), coping strategies, and femininity significantly and directly influenced compulsive buying among students. Additionally, the dimensions of the personality model exerted a significant and indirect effect on compulsive buying through coping strategies (P= 0.001) and femininity (P= 0.001). The direct effect of masculinity was not confirmed (P= 0.067).
 
Conclusion: Based on the findings, preventive programs addressing compulsive buying among students should consider not only personality traits but also coping strategies and cultural aspects of masculinity and femininity. Therefore, focusing on vulnerability factors such as personality traits, ineffective coping styles, and gender-related characteristics can be beneficial in promoting student well-being.
Keywords
Compulsive behavior
Coping skills
Femininity
Masculinity
Personality
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Fundamentals of Mental Health
Volume 27, Issue 4
July and August 2025
Pages 267-275