Eleonora Topino, Nicole Pallaoro, Miriam Moyano, Silvia Casale, Alessio Gori

Key words: adult attachment, behavioural addiction, dissociation, affect dysregulation, online shopping, shopping addiction

Objective: Online shopping has been described by the scientific literature both for its benefits and the potential risks when excessive usage is involved. Indeed, compulsive online shopping is commonly conceptualized as a potential behavioural addiction that substantially impacts the lives of individuals afflicted by it. In light of this, the present research aimed at exploring the association between possible risk and protective factors for compulsive online shopping, by specifically exploring the role of adult attachment, affect dysregulation, and dissociation.

Method: 285 participants (75% females, 25% males; Mage = 31.57, SD = 11.379) were involved in the research and completed an online survey. The collected data was analysed implementing a path analysis model.

Results: Results showed significant total effects in the relationship between secure/fearful attachment patterns and compulsive online shopping. Such associations were significantly mediated by the sequential effect of affect dysregulation and dissociation.

Conclusions: The present study provides useful information to guide tailored interventions concerning both preventive activity and clinical practice.