International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS)
Vol 15, No 1: March 2026

Compulsive buying behavior and self-esteem among K-pop fan undergraduate medical students in Jakarta

Tanjung, Julia Rahadian (Unknown)
Precious, Heunice (Unknown)
Santosa, Mariani (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Mar 2026

Abstract

The rising popularity of K-pop has attracted many teenagers and young adults. Fans tend to purchase idol merchandise as a sign of support and affection, which can lead to compulsive buying behavior. Compulsive buying behavior is one of the coping mechanisms for low self-esteem. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-esteem and compulsive buying behavior among undergraduate medical students in Jakarta who are fans of K-pop. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 97 students, aged 18 to 25, from various medical schools in Jakarta who were actively engaged as members of a K-pop fan club. Data were obtained through the Revised Edwards Compulsive Buying Scale (ECBS-R) and the Rosenberg self-esteem Scale questionnaire. Among the 97 respondents, 35.1% with low self-esteem, and 51.6% with compulsive buying behavior. A significant relationship was found between self-esteem and compulsive buying behavior (p = 0.014). In conclusion, low self-esteem is associated with compulsive buying behavior among K-pop fan medical students, particularly females, which may adversely impact their academic performance.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJPHS

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions

Description

International Journal of Public Health Science (IJPHS) is an interdisciplinary journal that publishes material on all aspects of public health science. This IJPHS provides the ideal platform for the discussion of more sophisticated public health research and practice for authors and readers world ...