Consumer behavior—or how people buy and use goods and services—is a rich field of psychological research, particularly for companies trying to sell products to as many potential customers as possible. Since what people buy—and why they buy it—impacts many different facets of their lives, research into consumer behavior ties together several key psychological issues. These include communication (Ho
What Is Consumer Behavior? (Plain Language Explanation)
Consumer Behavior refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Consumer Behavior
- Symptoms: The specific ways consumer behavior shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen consumer behavior
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When consumer behavior occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Consumer Behavior
- Consumer Behavior is far more common than most people realize
- Consumer Behavior is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with consumer behavior see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about consumer behavior is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing consumer behavior, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.