Impulsive buying and delay of gratification among adults with ADHD

Abstract

Background: Since populations with ADHD experience susceptibility for obtaining immediate rewards and reduced ability to delay them, they may be more likely to experience financial difficulties. Studies show that adults with ADHD have more difficulties allocating and saving funds, and paying their bills on time, compared to control groups. Aims: In the present study it was hypothesized (i) that a a significant difference in mean scores of impulsive buying would be found between ADHD and non-ADHD groups, and (ii) that a poor ability to delay gratification, reduced quality of life and increased ADHD symptoms predicts impulsive buying. Additionally (iii), more correlation is found between ADHD symptoms and impulsive buying in the ADHD group than in those without. Method: The Buying Impulsiveness Scale, The Delay of Gratification Questionnaire, and The Adult Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Quality-of-Life scale were completed by 228 participants diagnosed with ADHD and 133 graduate and postgraduate students, along with The ADHD Rating Scale for current ADHD symptoms. Results: A stronger relationship was found between hyperactivity/impulsivity and impulsive buying amongst the ADHD group than the non-ADHD group. An independent t-test show a significant mean difference between ADHD and non-ADHD groups on impulsive buying, delay of gratification, and quality of life. According to multivariate regression analysis, delay of gratification was the strongest predictor of impulsive buying in both groups. Discussion: Those with ADHD are significantly related to more impulsive buying, poorer delay of gratification and quality of life. Future studies should determine what factors predict impulsive buying. Keywords: ADHD, impulsive buying, delay of gratification