Journal of Economics, Business, & Accountancy Ventura
Vol. 29 No. 1 (2026): April 2026

Why do Borrowers Become Over-Indebted? The Roles of Financial Literacy, Risk Perception, and Behavioral Bias in Peer-to-Peer Lending

Evi Grediani (Politeknik YKPN, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Tio Waskito Erdi (Politeknik YKPN, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 May 2026

Abstract

The increasing use of online lending among young adults has raised concerns regarding over-indebtedness. This study aims to examine the effects of financial literacy, risk perception, and behavioral bias on over-indebtedness in online loan users, with financial self-control as a moderating variable. This research employs a quantitative approach using primary data collected through questionnaires from online lending users aged 20–29 years with moderate income levels. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling–Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS). The results show that financial literacy, risk perception, and behavioral bias have a positive and significant effect on over-indebtedness. Behavioral bias is identified as the most dominant factor influencing excessive debt behavior. Furthermore, financial self-control weakens the effect of financial literacy on over-indebtedness, strengthens the effect of risk perception, but does not significantly moderate the relationship between behavioral bias and over-indebtedness. The findings indicate that rational factors such as knowledge and risk awareness are insufficient to prevent over-indebtedness without effective self-control mechanisms. This study contributes to behavioral accounting literature by highlighting the critical role of psychological and self-control factors in explaining digital debt behavior among young adults.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jebav

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance

Description

Journal of Economics, Business and Accountancy (JEBAV) addresses economics, business, banking, management and accounting issues that are new developments in business excellence and best practices, and methodologies to determine these in manufacturing and financial service organisations. It considers ...