Maladaptive Consumption: Definition, Theoretical Framework, and Research Propositions

Journal of the Association for Consumer Research · 2021 · 33 citations

• Sociology
• Political Science
• Psychology

Maladaptive consumption represents potentially uncontrollable and self- and others-harming consumer choices to fulfill a desire for rewarding substances and behaviors. More recently, maladaptive consumption has emerged as a pivotal interest within consumer research, and a deliberation of current developments regarding consumers’ misuse of substances and their repetitive engagement in certain behaviors highlights its acute importance. After summarizing both long-standing and emerging types of maladaptive consumption, we review mounting evidence and provide a working definition and an integrative theoretical framework for understanding antecedents, types, explanations, and consequences of maladaptive consumption. Finally, we close with a limited identification of propositions and research themes that suggest avenues for future research.

The Role of Standards and Discrepancy Perfectionism in Maladaptive Consumption

Journal of the Association for Consumer Research · 2021 · 20 citations

• Computer Science
• Psychology
• Social psychology

Perfectionism has been conceptualized as a multidimensional construct, and two of its key dimensions entail striving for high performance standards and focusing on the discrepancy between one’s standards and actual performance. Our investigation examines the role of these two dimensions in maladaptive consumption. Results across six studies investigating both trait and state perfectionism across various maladaptive domains support our account that discrepancy-based perfectionism is associated with higher levels of maladaptive consumption than standards-based perfectionism. Additionally, results indicate that feelings of shame and guilt explain these differential effects, with discrepancy perfectionism associated with higher levels of shame and standards perfectionism associated with higher levels of guilt.