Investigating the impact of CBT on reducing impulsive clothing purchases among youths: A cognitive distortion perspective

Background: Impulsive buying behavior among youths, particularly in relation to clothing, represents a growing psychological and behavioral concern, often driven by cognitive distortions and difficulties in emotion regulation. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has shown promise in addressing maladaptive cognitions and behaviors; however, its targeted application to impulsive clothing purchases remains underexplored. Therefore, this study examined the effect of CBT on impulsive clothing buying behavior among young adults, with a specific focus on cognitive distortions and emotion regulation difficulties. Methods: A total of 122 eligible participants (aged 18–35 years) were recruited through purposive and convenience sampling from local communities, youth centers, and online platforms. Participants were randomly allocated via computer-generated randomization to either a CBT intervention group or a waitlist control group (1:1 ratio). Following attrition, 113 participants (53 in the CBT group and 60 in the control group) completed the study and were included in the final analysis. Only gender information was obtained at baseline, as participants were unwilling to provide additional demographic details. The intervention was delivered over 8 weekly sessions (90 minutes each) by licensed clinical psychologists trained in cognitive-behavioral approaches, under the supervision of a senior CBT consultant to ensure intervention fidelity. The CBT manual was adapted from A Therapist’s Guide to Brief Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Standardized measures included the Clothing-Related Impulsive Buying Scale, the Clothing-Related Cognitive Distortions Scale, and the Clothing-Related Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance to assess group differences while controlling for pretest scores. Results: The CBT group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in impulsive clothing buying behavior ( P < .001), cognitive distortions ( P < .01), and emotion dysregulation ( P < .01) compared with the control group. Effect sizes were moderate to large, indicating a meaningful therapeutic impact. Conclusion: CBT delivered by trained and supervised clinical psychologists was effective in reducing impulsive clothing buying behavior by addressing cognitive distortions and enhancing emotion regulation. These findings highlight the potential of tailored CBT interventions for managing impulsive buying tendencies, particularly in fashion-related contexts.