From Social Acceptance to Cognitive Dissonance: The Psychological Pathways of Compulsive Buying
- Saba Muneer
- saba@vu.edu.pk
- PhD Scholar Department of Management Sciences, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
- Nadia Nasir
- nadia.nasir@superior.edu.pk
- Associate Professor Department of Management Sciences, Faculty of Management, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
- Bilal Ahmad
- drbilal.ahmad@superior.edu.pk
- Associate Professor Department of Management Sciences, Faculty of Management, Superior University, Lahore, Pakistan
- Nida Qamar
- nida.qamar@vu.edu.pk
- Lecturer Department of Management Sciences, Virtual University of Pakistan, Islamabad, Pakistan.
Submitted
November 22, 2023
Accepted
November 22, 2023
Accepted
November 22, 2023
- Received
- 6th March 2025
- Revised
- 8th August 2025
- Accepted
- 24th December 2025
Abstract
This study examines the need for online social acceptance and belongingness as catalysts for e-compulsive buying behavior (ECBB) and resulting cognitive dissonance. It further assesses selfesteem as a moderator and examines its impact on the relationship between ECBB and the need for online social acceptance and belongingness. Data was collected through purposive sampling from 276 women who actively use social networking sites. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The findings show that the need for online social acceptance and belongingness has a positive relationship with ECBB. Moreover, the study demonstrates a positive association between ECBB and cognitive dissonance. However, relations his remain unaffected by self-esteem, primarily because of cultural and demographic factors. The results are helpful for policymakers and mental health professionals seeking to actively promote awareness and reduce the psychological impacts that social networking sites have on women.
Keywords
Social acceptance
social belongingness
e-compulsive buying behavior
cognitive dissonance
self-esteem
This work is licensed under LJB.
- Citation
Muneer, S., Nasir, N., Ahmad, B., & Qamar, N. (2025). From Social Acceptance to Cognitive Dissonance: The Psychological Pathways of Compulsive Buying. The Lahore Journal of Business, 13(1), 55-81.
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