Compulsive Buying in Adolescents. The Impact of Gender and Alcohol and Cannabis Use

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

 

Using a sample of Spanish adolescents, this manuscript analyzes the relationship between compulsive buying and substance use and whether this relationship differs by gender. The sample was obtained through random cluster sampling. Study participants were recruited among adolescents (female=50.7%; male=49.3%) attending high schools in Burgos (Spain). Compulsive Buying Questionnaire containing 7 questions was used to evaluate buying habits. Substance use was assessed using two questions: ‘Indicate how much alcohol you consume’ and ‘Indicate how much cannabis you take’. Multivariate analyses were carried out using the MANCOVA procedure. Results indicate that, as expected from prior studies, females were more prone to compulsive buying than males. Additionally, a statistically significant relationship was found between alcohol and cannabis use, on the one hand, and compulsive buying, on the other.

 

Overall, the analyses are presented clearly, and the manuscript is well structured. However, the small sample size, limited geographic scope, and cross-sectional nature of the survey preclude meaningful generalization of the findings. Consequently, any conclusions implying causality (like those on pp. 221-232) have to be revised. Moreover, it is likely that impulsive behaviors seem to reinforce each other. It can be argued that it is substance use (and abuse) that leads to compulsive buying, and not vice versa, as the authors seem to imply. Unfortunately, this study deals with only a few independent variables and leaves many important questions unanswered. For example: When was the study conducted? What was the students’ family background? What role did socio-economic status play in the incidence of substance use and consumer behavior?

 

 

Author Response

Thank you very much for your comments. 

More information about the sample has been entered. For example, data on the family environment and socioeconomic status. 
The wording has been improved. 

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Reviewer 2 Report

The publication submitted to me for review analyses issues that are currently significant and relevant. I think this is a highly important and interesting paper. The article is prepared properly and clearly; therefore, I note just a few details that I think need to be clarified:

The title of this academic publication is slightly strange and uncommon. Usually, the question is formulated after the main statement, and in this case the title seems to include two semantic units. I would recommend thinking of wording that consists of one specific statement or a question after the main statement, separated by the colon (for example: …:…?).

When reasoning the study sample, it is necessary to indicate the existing population, i.e., the total number of teenagers from which the study participants were selected. The conditions for organizing the survey and the ethical aspects need to be discussed in more detail. What ethical principles of the study were adhered to, and how was the anonymity of teenagers ensured, which may have determined teenagers’ answers about the use of cannabis and alcohol.

The presented results are significant and relevant. It is not recommended quoting the authors in the conclusions of the study, it is recommended in the discussion part of the article. I would recommend intensifying the conclusions with clearer statements from the results of the study, providing (as in this case) specific recommendations for solving problem areas.

Ultimately, the article has an indisputable scientific and practical added value. Distinguishing the limitations of the study and the prospects for further research would enhance the content of the article and its value. One of the limitations is likely to be the teenagers’ answers about the use of cannabis and alcohol.

The final remark is essential: how does the content of the article relate to sustainable development (goals and ideas of sustainable education)? The target journal is Sustainability, yet there is no connection made to the topic in terms of rationale; for example, SDG3 etc. A substantial part of the text should be devoted to this aspect, both in the introduction, the discussion part and the conclusions as well.

Author Response

Thank you very much for your comments, which help us to improve the quality of the article. 

We have changed the title.

We have added more information on the application of the questionnaires and the ethical principles of the study.

We have improved the discussion and conclusion sections, as you indicated. 

We have linked the article to sustainable development.

Author Response File: Author Response.docx

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

The authors have revised the text carefully. They attempted to address the reviewers' concerns to the best of their abilities.