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Donati MA, Vehkalahti K, Capitanucci D, Primi C. A Structural Equation Model to Explain Gambling Problem Severity in Adolescents with an Integrated Perspective. J Gambl Stud 2024; 40:971-983. [PMID: 37980690 PMCID: PMC11272714 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10266-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
To be effective in the prevention of adolescent problem gambling, it is fundamental to enhance knowledge about the antecedents of gambling problem severity and the mechanisms through which these dimensions are related to problematic gambling behavior. This study aimed at testing how selected cognitive (correct knowledge of gambling and gambling-related cognitive distortions) and affective (positive economic perception of gambling and expectation and enjoyment and arousal towards gambling) variables are related to gambling frequency and gambling problem severity. Problem gambling was conceptualized as Gambling Disorder symptoms according to the last edition of the DSM. Participants were 447 Italian high school students (68% males, mean age = 16.8, SD = 0.84). Structural Equation Models (SEMs) conducted with adolescent gamblers attested two indirect effects from knowledge to problem gambling: One through gambling-related cognitive distortions and one through gambling frequency. Overall, results confirmed that adolescent problem gambling is a complex phenomenon explained by multiple and different factors. Practical implications for preventive efforts are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anna Donati
- NEUROFARBA Department, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi 12 - Padiglione 26, 50135, Florence, Italy.
| | - Kimmo Vehkalahti
- Centre for Social Data Science, CSDS, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Caterina Primi
- NEUROFARBA Department, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi 12 - Padiglione 26, 50135, Florence, Italy
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Hing N, Thorne H, Lole L, Sproston K, Hodge N, Rockloff M. 'Getting addicted to it and losing a lot of money… it's just like a hole.' A grounded theory model of how social determinants shape adolescents' choices to not gamble. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:1270. [PMID: 38724892 PMCID: PMC11084133 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18286-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gambling abstinence when underage lowers the risk of harmful gambling in later life. However, little research has examined why many young people refrain from gambling, even though this knowledge can inform protective strategies and lower risk factors to reduce underage gambling and subsequent harm. This study draws on the lived experience of adolescent non-gamblers to explore how social determinants while growing up have shaped their reasons and choices to not gamble. METHODS Fourteen Australian non-gamblers, aged 12-17 years, participated in an in-depth individual interview (4 girls, 3 boys) or online community (4 girls, 3 boys). Questions in each condition differed, but both explored participants' gambling-related experiences while growing up, including exposure, attitudes and behaviours of parents and peers, advertising, simulated gambling and motivations for not gambling. The analysis used adaptive grounded theory methods. RESULTS The grounded theory model identifies several reasons for not gambling, including not being interested, being below the legal gambling age, discouragement from parent and peers, concern about gambling addiction and harm, not wanting to risk money on a low chance of winning, and moral objections. These reasons were underpinned by several social determinants, including individual, parental, peer and environmental factors that can interact to deter young people from underage gambling. Key protective factors were parental role modelling and guidance, friendship groups who avoided gambling, critical thinking, rational gambling beliefs, financial literacy and having other hobbies and interests. CONCLUSIONS Choices to not gamble emanated from multiple layers of influence, implying that multi-layered interventions, aligned with a public health response, are needed to deter underage gambling. At the environmental level, better age-gating for monetary and simulated gambling, countering cultural pressures, and less exposure to promotional gambling messages, may assist young people to resist these influences. Interventions that support parents to provide appropriate role modelling and guidance for their children are also important. Youth education could include cautionary tales from people with lived experience of gambling harm, and education to increase young people's financial literacy, ability to recognise marketing tactics, awareness of the risks and harms of gambling, and how to resist peer and other normalising gambling influences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerilee Hing
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive, 4670, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia.
| | - Hannah Thorne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Lisa Lole
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive, 4670, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Matthew Rockloff
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive, 4670, Bundaberg, QLD, Australia
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van Schalkwyk MCI, Hawkins B, Petticrew M, Maani N, Garde A, Reeves A, McKee M. Agnogenic practices and corporate political strategy: the legitimation of UK gambling industry-funded youth education programmes. Health Promot Int 2024; 39:daad196. [PMID: 38234277 PMCID: PMC10794875 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daad196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Agnogenic practices-designed to create ignorance or doubt-are well-established strategies employed by health-harming industries (HHI). However, little is known about their use by industry-funded organizations delivering youth education programmes. We applied a previously published framework of corporate agnogenic practices to analyse how these organizations used them in three UK gambling industry-funded youth education programmes. Evidential strategies adopted previously by other HHI are prominent in the programmes' practitioner-facing materials, evaluation design and reporting and in public statements about the programmes. We show how agnogenic practices are employed to portray these youth education programmes as 'evidence-based' and 'evaluation-led'. These practices distort the already limited evidence on these educational initiatives while legitimizing industry-favourable policies, which prioritize commercial interests over public health. Given the similarities in political strategies adopted by different industries, these findings are relevant to research and policy on other HHI.
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Affiliation(s)
- May C I van Schalkwyk
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Benjamin Hawkins
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambrdige CB2 0SL, UK
| | - Mark Petticrew
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9SH, UK
| | - Nason Maani
- Global Health Policy Unit, School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh Chrystal Macmillan Building 15a George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9LD, UK
| | - Amandine Garde
- Law & NCD Unit, School of Law and Social Justice, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZR, UK
| | - Aaron Reeves
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, Barnett House, 32 -37 Wellington Square, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 2ER, UK
| | - Martin McKee
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Pl, London WC1H 9SH, UK
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Donati MA, Gori C, Primi C. How can we measure gambling craving among adolescent gamblers? Psychometric properties of the Gambling Craving Scale. J Affect Disord 2024; 345:208-215. [PMID: 37890536 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.10.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Craving plays an important role in behavioural addictions such as Gambling Disorder (GD). However, it has only been included as a diagnostic criterion for substance addiction. Moreover, research on craving has focused mainly on adults, leaving out adolescents who can also be heavily involved in gambling behaviour. The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the most widely used craving assessment scale, the Gambling Craving Scale (GACS), in adolescent gamblers. METHOD For the current study, 1246 adolescent gamblers attending secondary school were recruited to complete a self-report questionnaire online. The psychometric properties of the GACS were examined: Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted; reliability was examined using the internal consistency method; in terms of validity, the relationship between the GACS total and subscale scores with some risk factors for problem gambling, gambling frequency and gambling problem severity was analyzed. RESULTS The factor analysis supported the three-factor structure, and good internal consistency was found for the GACS total scale and its three subscales. As regards validity, the GACS subscales resulted to be significantly and positively associated with economic perception of gambling and outcome expectancy, gambling-related cognitive distortions, gambling frequency, and problem gambling. LIMITATIONS The findings of this study were based on self-report data and only criterion validity was analyzed. CONCLUSIONS The GACS is a valid and rapid self-report measure of gambling craving in adolescent gamblers. In terms of prevention, the multidimensionality of the GACS is important for interventions. Clinical samples of adolescents are needed to confirm the validity of the scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anna Donati
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug, and Child's Health, Section of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Costanza Gori
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug, and Child's Health, Section of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Caterina Primi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug, and Child's Health, Section of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Ndukaihe ILG, Awo LO. Near-Misses Predict Youth Gambling Intention via Illusion of Control. J Gambl Stud 2023; 39:1563-1577. [PMID: 36823389 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-023-10197-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
We examined the moderating role of an illusion of control (IOC) in the differential contributions of forms of near-miss (NM) in youths intent to gamble in Nigeria (n = 60, mean age = 18.05, SD = 3.81) using a randomized group design. Data were obtained by means of the gambling episode stimulus material that varied NM into early-miss, late-miss, near-win and near-loss groups, and self-report measures of IOC and gambling intention. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) result showed that NM groups differed significantly on gambling intention. HAYES PROCESS macro moderation analysis results of NM categories as dummy variables showed that early miss had a non-significant negative effect on gambling intention, late miss had a significant positive effect on gambling intention, near win had a significant positive effect on gambling intention, IOC had a negative effect on gambling intention, and negatively moderated the effect of early win on gambling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Larry O Awo
- School of General Studies, Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, Nigeria.
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Palomäki J, Turner N, Macey J, Castrén S. Increased volatility in video poker results in more winning players but shorter winning streaks - Evidence from simulations. J Behav Addict 2023; 12:711-720. [PMID: 37747835 PMCID: PMC10562822 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2023.00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective and Method Electronic gambling machines are a prominent cause of significant gambling harms globally. We use simulations of a simplified video poker game to show how changes in game volatility, defined primarily by the size of the main prize, affect patterns of wins and losses as well as winning streaks. Results We found that in low- and medium volatility games the proportion of winning players quickly drops to zero after about 30 h of play, while in the high volatility game 5% of players are still winning after playing for 100 h. However, the proportion of winning streaks was significantly higher in the low- and medium volatility games compared with high volatility: the simulated players were on a winning streak about 26.3, 25.6 and 18% of the time in the low-, medium- and high volatility games, respectively. Conclusions Fast-paced video poker with varying volatility levels but identical return-to-player rates and win frequencies can yield highly different result patterns across individuals. These patterns may be counter-intuitive for players and difficult to realize without simulations and visualizations. We argue that the findings have relevance for responsible gambling communication and for building a better understanding of how cognitive biases influence gambling behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jussi Palomäki
- Health and Well-Being Promotion Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nigel Turner
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joseph Macey
- Centre of Excellence in Game Culture Studies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Gamification Group, Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Sari Castrén
- Health and Well-Being Promotion Unit, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Finland
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Krébesz R, Ötvös DK, Fekete Z. Non-problem gamblers show the same cognitive distortions while playing slot machines as problem gamblers, with no loss of control and reduced reality control, though - An experimental study on gambling. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1175621. [PMID: 37284469 PMCID: PMC10239866 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1175621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cognitive distortions can result in maladaptive interpretations of events and maladaptive behavior. In the case of gambling, such distortions can contribute to the maintenance of the disorder. Our current research aimed to conduct an experiment to possibly detect cognitive biases characteristic of persons with gambling addiction in a non-gambling sample of the general population, and to study the effect of "big win" on cognitive distortions. Methods A specifically designed and preprogrammed slot machine simulation was carried out, with 90 rounds split into 3 sections. During the simulation every participant verbalized their thoughts and feelings; the verbalizations were recorded. Then a content analysis was conducted to search for indications of cognitive distortions. The sample was separated into two experimental groups: one of the groups experienced the "big wins" in the first section, while the other group had them in the second section of the experiment. Results Content analysis revealed numerous cognitive biases. Cognitive distortions usually present in problem gambling were detected in our sample from the general population as well. However, we could not distinguish cognitive biases indicating serious loss of control, or distortion of reality control. A further finding is that early losses provoke the emergence of more cognitive distortions, while early big win leads to more intense loss-chasing in the later stages of gambling. Conclusion The appearance of reality-checking uncertainty or loss of control can be alarming for the development of gambling. Losses and big wins can provoke different cognitive distortions, encouraging the person into further gambling behavior.
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Richard J, King SM. Annual Research Review: Emergence of problem gambling from childhood to emerging adulthood: a systematic review. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 64:645-688. [PMID: 36347261 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk for problematic gambling and associated high-risk behaviors is elevated during adolescence and emerging adulthood. Activities with gambling-like features and novel forms of gambling may place youth at an increased risk for problem gambling. AIM AND METHOD The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the association between both activities with gambling-like features and novel gambling activities and problem gambling among youth while examining the role of psychopathology and cognitive processes. Six databases (PsychINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, Social Work Abstracts, Technology Collection, and Scopus) were searched in November 2021 for peer-reviewed articles investigating the association between the aforementioned variables among youth up to the age of 25 years. Risk of bias was assessed using the Observational Study Quality Evaluation. FINDINGS Forty-five articles were included in the review. Positive associations were observed between engagement in activities with gambling-like features (e.g., video games, social casino games, loot boxes) and problem gambling. Increased involvement with novel forms of gambling (e.g., online sports betting, fantasy sports, and esports betting) were also associated with a greater risk for problematic gambling. Males reported higher rates of engagement in these activities and a greater risk of problem gambling than females. Impulsivity, risk taking, cognitive distortions, and specific emotional vulnerabilities were associated with an increased risk of problem gambling. CONCLUSIONS Despite the need for additional longitudinal research controlling for relevant confounders, these findings underline how engagement in activities with gambling-like features are relevant in the developmental trajectory toward problem gambling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Richard
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Serena M King
- Department of Psychology, Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
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Parental gambling frequency and adolescent gambling: A cross-sectional path model involving adolescents and parents. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280996. [PMID: 36780466 PMCID: PMC9925005 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nowadays, most of the research studies in the field of adolescent gambling are focused on individual factors related to problem gambling. The aim of this study was to test an integrated model to explain adolescent problem gambling involving both individual (i.e., correct gambling knowledge, superstitious thinking, and gambling-related cognitive distortions) and environmental factors (i.e., parental gambling frequency). In detail, the aim was to better understand the role of parental gambling behavior on adolescents' gambling frequency and problem gambling severity, to draw indications for prevention. METHODS Participants were 680 parents (36% men; Mage = 48.32, SD = 6.14 years) of 680 high school students (51% boys; Mage = 15.51, SD = .55 years) attending the second year of different high schools in Tuscany (Italy). Data collection occurred within the school prevention program PRIZE (Prevention of gambling risk among adolescents). RESULTS A path model showed was conducted to detect direct and indirect effects from individual and environmental factors to gambling problem severity. Analyses showed that correct gambling knowledge and superstitious thinking were directly related-respectively in a negative and a positive direction-both to gambling-related cognitive distortions and adolescents' gambling frequency. Parental gambling frequency was directly associated with adolescents' gambling frequency. Correct gambling knowledge and superstitious thinking were indirectly related to adolescents' gambling problem severity through the mediational role of gambling-related cognitive distortions and gambling frequency. Parental gambling frequency was indirectly linked to gambling problem severity by passing through adolescents' gambling frequency. CONCLUSIONS The current cross-sectional results confirm that parental gambling behavior has an important role for adolescents' gambling behavior and severity. Thus, results highlight the need for innovative prevention programs which involve adolescents' adult reference figures and integrate the individual risk and protective factors with the environmental ones.
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Shi W, Li N. The effects of cognitive bias and cognitive style on trait impulsivity in moderate-risk gambling: The moderating effect of self-control. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1089608. [PMID: 36777219 PMCID: PMC9912353 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1089608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Impulsivity has been defined as a tendency to respond with little forethought, often with disregard to the negative consequences to the impulsive individual or others. Problem gambling patients are characterized with impulse control and absent inhibition control, a tendency to react to stimuli in a rapid and unplanned fashion without complete processing of information. Method Based on the information processing theory and the dual-systems model of self-control, 208 moderate-risk gambling were investigated by questionnaire to explore the moderating effect of self-control in the process of cognitive bias and cognitive style affecting the gambling impulse of moderate-risk gambling. Conclusion Using hierarchical regression analysis, it is found that: (a) The gambling impulse of male moderate-risk gambling was stronger than female moderate-risk gambling. (b) Self-control negatively predicted trait impulsivity, and the stronger the individual self-control, the lower the level of trait impulsivity. (c) Cognitive bias positively predicted trait impulsivity, and high cognitive bias induced high-level trait impulsivity. Self-control played a moderating role between cognitive bias and trait impulsivity. (d) Compared with field-independent gambling, field-dependent gambling were more likely to have impulsive thoughts of gambling activities. Self-control played a moderating role between cognitive style and trait impulsivity.
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Lauriola M, Cerniglia L, Tambelli R, Cimino S. Deliberative and Affective Risky Decisions in Teenagers: Different Associations with Maladaptive Psychological Functioning and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation? CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:1915. [PMID: 36553358 PMCID: PMC9777102 DOI: 10.3390/children9121915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Using network analysis, we investigated the relationships between maladaptive psychological functioning, difficulties in emotion regulation, and risk-taking in deliberative and affective behavioral decisions. Participants (103 adolescents aged between 13 and 19 years, 62% boys) took the Cold (deliberative) and Hot (affective) versions of the Columbia Card Task and completed the Youth Self-Report (YSR) and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). In contrast to the view that risk propensity increases from preadolescence to middle adolescence and decreases at later ages, our study revealed no age-specific trend. YSR syndrome scales were significantly correlated with risk propensity, but only in the Cold version. The YSR Thought Problems scale was the most central node in the network, linking internalizing and externalizing problems with risk propensity in the Cold CCT. Lack of emotional Clarity was the only DERS consistently linked with risk-taking both in correlation and network analyses. Maladaptive psychological functioning and difficulties in emotion regulation were linked with risk propensity in affective risky decisions through deliberative processes. The statistical significance of direct and indirect effects was further examined using nonparametric mediation analyses. Our study highlights the role of cognitive factors that in each variable set might account for risk-taking in teenagers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Lauriola
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Luca Cerniglia
- Faculty of Psychology, International Telematic University Uninettuno, 00186 Roma, Italy
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Silvia Cimino
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
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Donati MA, Boncompagni J, Iraci Sareri G, Ridolfi S, Iozzi A, Cocci V, Arena A, Primi C. Optimizing large-scale gambling prevention with adolescents through the development and evaluation of a training course for health professionals: The case of PRIZE. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266825. [PMID: 35551314 PMCID: PMC9097997 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In the field of adolescent gambling prevention, there is a lack of intervention studies reporting and assessing training courses for the intervention providers. The present work fills this gap by realizing a dissemination study inside the PRIZE program aimed at modifying a set of cognitive protective factors and affective risk factors. The purpose of this work was twofold: To develop and evaluate a training course with the intervention providers (Study 1), and to assess the short- and long-term effects of the intervention itself (Study 2). The training course was delivered to 44 health professionals (32 females, Mage = 39.34 years). Results showed a significant increase of correct knowledge about gambling and a significant reduction of their susceptibility to probabilistic reasoning biases. Participants also actually learnt the main competencies to conduct the educational activities, they were satisfied for the training course received, and they felt high levels of self-efficacy. The intervention was implemented with 1894 high school students (61% males; Mage = 15.68 years). In the short term, we found a significant increase of adolescents’ correct gambling knowledge, random events knowledge, and probabilistic reasoning ability, and a significant decrease of superstitious thinking, monetary positive outcome expectation, and gambling-related erroneous thoughts and fallacious behavioral choices. In the long-term, a significant decrease of gambling frequency, gambling versatility, and gambling problem severity was obtained. Overall, this work highlights the importance to train prevention program providers in order to optimize the effectiveness of large-scale gambling intervention programs towards adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anna Donati
- NEUROFARBA Department – Section of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Jessica Boncompagni
- NEUROFARBA Department – Section of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Sonia Ridolfi
- CEART (Coordinamento Enti Ausiliari Regione Toscana), Florence, Italy
| | - Adriana Iozzi
- UFC SerD Zona 1 Firenze, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Florence, Italy
| | - Valentina Cocci
- UFC SerD Arezzo, Azienda USL Toscana Sud Est, Florence, Italy
| | - Alfiero Arena
- UF SerD Valle del Serchio, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Florence, Italy
| | - Caterina Primi
- NEUROFARBA Department – Section of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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St Quinton T, Morris B, Pickering D, Smith DM. Behavior Change Techniques and Delivery Modes in Interventions Targeting Adolescent Gambling: A Systematic Review. J Gambl Stud 2022; 38:1503-1528. [PMID: 35239076 PMCID: PMC8891739 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-022-10108-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent gambling can lead to significant harms, yet participation rates continue to rise. Interventions targeting gambling reduction have been implemented in this population. However, it is not clear which behavior change techniques (BCTs) and modes of delivery (MOD) are most effective at reducing gambling. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to identify 'promising' BCTs and MODs by systematically reviewing interventions targeting adolescent gambling behavior. 'Promising' was defined as those present in at least 25% of all interventions and in at least two effective interventions. METHODS Three databases were searched (PsycINFO, Medline, and Scopus) from database inception to May 2021. Interventions were eligible if they were randomized controlled trials; targeting adolescents (aged 10-25 years); and assessing gambling behavior post-intervention. BCTs were identified using the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy v1. RESULTS From the initial 3,315 studies, the removal of duplicates and ineligible articles resulted in sixteen studies included in the review. Eleven of these reported successfully reducing gambling behavior. Eighteen BCTs and six MODs were used across the interventions. The BCTs identified as promising were '4.2. Information about antecedents', '4.4. Behavioral experiments', '5.3. Information about social and environmental consequences', and '5.6. Information about emotional consequences'. Promising MODs were 'face-to-face', 'computer', and 'playable electronic storage'. CONCLUSIONS The study reviewed the content of interventions targeting adolescent gambling behavior. Four BCTs were identified as promising and should therefore be adopted in future interventions. To facilitate the delivery of these techniques, the study also identified three promising MODs. Interventions developed using these BCTs and MODs may successfully reduce adolescent gambling behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom St Quinton
- School of Social and Health Sciences, Leeds Trinity University, Brownberrie Lane, LS18 5HD, Leeds, UK.
| | - Ben Morris
- School of Social and Health Sciences, Leeds Trinity University, Brownberrie Lane, LS18 5HD, Leeds, UK
| | - Dylan Pickering
- Gambling Treatment and Research Clinic, School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Debbie M Smith
- Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Dodig Hundric D, Mandic S, Ricijas N. Short-Term Effectiveness of the Youth Gambling Prevention Program "Who Really Wins?"-Results from the First National Implementation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10100. [PMID: 34639404 PMCID: PMC8507822 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As a response to significant adolescent gambling involvement, a Croatian team of researchers and practitioners developed a universal, comprehensive, evidence-based youth gambling prevention program called "Who Really Wins?". This study presents the results on its short-term effectiveness following the first national implementation in 18 Croatian cities, with a total of 629 high school students (66.5% male) who completed the program. A design with two measurement sessions (pre-test and post-test) was used to explore the short-term effects of the program on gambling-related knowledge and cognition, frequency of gambling, and various socio-emotional skills. The results showed significant effects when it comes to knowledge, cognitive distortions, and the frequency of sports betting and playing lottery games. Furthermore, the program had no harmful effects on any of the measured variables. The results are interpreted in terms of methodological challenges in measuring effects, possible improvements of the program, and implications for future evaluation research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dora Dodig Hundric
- Department of Behavioral Disorders, Faculty of Education and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Zagreb, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.M.); (N.R.)
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Estévez A, Jauregui P, Lopez-Gonzalez H, Macia L, López N, Zamora L, Onaindia J, Granero R, Mestre-Bach G, Steward T, Fernández-Aranda F, Gómez-Peña M, Moragas L, Mena-Moreno T, Lozano-Madrid M, Del Pino-Gutiérrez A, Codina E, Testa G, Vintró-Alcaraz C, Agüera Z, Munguía L, Baenas I, Valenciano-Mendoza E, Mora-Maltas B, Menchón JM, Jiménez-Murcia S. Exploring the Predictive Value of Gambling Motives, Cognitive Distortions, and Materialism on Problem Gambling Severity in Adolescents and Young Adults. J Gambl Stud 2021; 37:643-661. [PMID: 32809101 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-020-09972-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Gambling motives and cognitive distortions are thought to be associated because both coping and financial motives to gamble appear to be predictors of gambling related cognitive distortions. Therefore, there is an argument to be made that gambling motives, cognitive distortions, and materialism share common attributes and might be related to problem gambling severity. The present paper aims to examine the relationship between these three variables, both in a clinical and community setting, to see if they can predict gambling severity. A sample of 250 participants from the general population and 31 participants from the clinical population was recruited. The results showed that the clinical sample scored higher on gambling severity, cognitive distortions, materialism, and gambling motives. It also showed that low scores in enhancement motives and higher scores in social motives and gambling related cognitions predicted gambling severity in older gamblers, whereas for younger patients, gambling severity was best predicted by higher scores in materialism and coping motives, and lower scores for enhancement and social motives. In the community sample, gambling severity correlated with gambling related cognitive distortions and with gambling motives (except for social and coping motives within the women subsample). These results testify to the importance of materialism, cognitive distortions, and gambling motives as risk factors for problem gambling both in community and clinical samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Estévez
- Psychology Department, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Paula Jauregui
- Psychology Department, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Hibai Lopez-Gonzalez
- Psychology Department, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Macia
- Psychology Department, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Naiara López
- Psychology Department, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Leire Zamora
- Psychology Department, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
| | | | - Roser Granero
- Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Mestre-Bach
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
| | - Trevor Steward
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fernando Fernández-Aranda
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Gómez-Peña
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Moragas
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Mena-Moreno
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Lozano-Madrid
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amparo Del Pino-Gutiérrez
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament d'Infermeria de Salut Pública, Salut Mental i Maternoinfantil, Escola Universitària d'Infermeria, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ester Codina
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Giulia Testa
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Vintró-Alcaraz
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Zaida Agüera
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lucero Munguía
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Isabel Baenas
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eduardo Valenciano-Mendoza
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bernat Mora-Maltas
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José M Menchón
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament d'Infermeria de Salut Pública, Salut Mental i Maternoinfantil, Escola Universitària d'Infermeria, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Jiménez-Murcia
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital-IDIBELL, C/Feixa Llarga S/N, 08907, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Mentalizing Failures, Emotional Dysregulation, and Cognitive Distortions Among Adolescent Problem Gamblers. J Gambl Stud 2021; 37:283-298. [PMID: 32720217 PMCID: PMC7882581 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-020-09967-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, several studies have investigated the relationship between cognitive distortions and emotion regulation among adolescent gamblers, demonstrating the exacerbating role of alcohol consumption when co-occurring with gambling problems. An important construct, that to date has been largely neglected, is mentalizing (i.e. the ability to reflect on one's own and others' mental states). The aim of the present study was (for the first time) to investigate the relative contribution of mentalization, emotional dysregulation, cognitive distortions, and alcohol consumption among adolescent gamblers. A total of 396 students (69.2% females) aged 14–19 years were recruited from secondary schools in Southern Italy. Assessment measures included the South Oaks Gambling Screen Revised for Adolescents (SOGS-RA), the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire (RFQ-8), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), the Gambling Related Cognitions Scale (GRCS), and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Regression analysis showed that, along with male gender, the best predictors of adolescent gambling were scores on two GRCS subscales (i.e., ‘inability to stop gambling’ and ‘interpretative bias’), the RFQ-8’s ‘uncertainty about mental states’ dimension, and the DERS ‘impulse control difficulties’ factor, with the overall model explaining more than one-third of the total variance. The results clearly indicated that, along with gambling-related cognitive distortions, uncertainty about mental states, and difficulties remaining in control of one’s behavior when experiencing negative emotions contributed significantly to problematic gambling among adolescents.
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Esparza-Reig J, Martí-Vilar M, González-Sala F. Motives for gambling, cognitive distortions, and irresponsible gambling: Proposal for an explanatory model of gambling addiction in university students. J Addict Dis 2021; 40:19-25. [PMID: 33982637 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2021.1922048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
There are many factors that appear to be directly related to the development of gambling addiction problems, and it is important to understand these relationships from a clinical perspective in order to develop prevention and intervention programs. This research seeks to analyze the relationships these problems have with gambling motives, cognitive distortions and irresponsible gambling behavior, and proposes an explanatory model of gambling addiction. The sample was made up of 258 adults residing in the province of Valencia (59.5% women), with a mean age of 20.95 years (SD = 2.19). A series of questionnaires were applied to measure the variables involved, and bivariate correlations, simple and multiple linear regressions and a structural equation model were analyzed. The results indicated that gambling motives were positively related to cognitive distortions, acting as predictors of these. Additionally, the proposed theoretical model showed goodness of fit on various indices and explained 69% of variance in cognitive distortions, 37% of that in irresponsible gambling and 43% of that in gambling addiction. The main limitation of this research is that the sample belongs to a very specific population, who did not necessarily have gambling problems. The main contributions are uncovering some of the relationships between gambling motives and cognitive distortions and the proposal of a mediating role of irresponsible gambling in the relationship between cognitive distortions and the development of gambling problems. If the proposed model replicates, it can be of help to research and health professionals.
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18
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Muela I, Navas JF, Perales JC. Gambling-Specific Cognitions Are Not Associated With Either Abstract or Probabilistic Reasoning: A Dual Frequentist-Bayesian Analysis of Individuals With and Without Gambling Disorder. Front Psychol 2021; 11:611784. [PMID: 33584446 PMCID: PMC7873942 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.611784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Distorted gambling-related cognitions are tightly related to gambling problems, and are one of the main targets of treatment for disordered gambling, but their etiology remains uncertain. Although folk wisdom and some theoretical approaches have linked them to lower domain-general reasoning abilities, evidence regarding that relationship remains unconvincing. METHOD In the present cross-sectional study, the relationship between probabilistic/abstract reasoning, as measured by the Berlin Numeracy Test (BNT), and the Matrices Test, respectively, and the five dimensions of the Gambling-Related Cognitions Scale (GRCS), was tested in a sample of 77 patients with gambling disorder and 58 individuals without gambling problems. RESULTS AND INTERPRETATION Neither BNT nor matrices scores were significantly related to gambling-related cognitions, according to frequentist (MANCOVA/ANCOVA) analyses, performed both considering and disregarding group (patients, non-patients) in the models. Correlation Bayesian analyses (bidirectional BF10) largely supported the null hypothesis, i.e., the absence of relationships between the measures of interest. This pattern or results reinforces the idea that distorted cognitions do not originate in a general lack of understanding of probability or low fluid intelligence, but probably result from motivated reasoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Muela
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan F. Navas
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - José C. Perales
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain
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19
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Donati MA, Weller J, Primi C. Using the Risk-Return Model to Explain Gambling Disorder Symptoms in Youth: An Empirical Investigation with Italian Adolescents. J Gambl Stud 2021; 37:779-794. [PMID: 33389431 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-020-09992-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Historically, individual differences research has sought to explain problem-gambling severity in adolescence by means of unitary "risk-taking" traits, such as sensation seeking and impulsivity, implying that these personality traits account for risk-taking tendencies across different types of behaviors and situations. However, increasing empirical evidence suggests that risk taking seems to be better conceptualized as a domain-specific construct. In the current study, we adopted a psychological risk-return framework, which posits that perceptions of perceived risks and benefits predict gambling risk attitudes, which in turn, account for variance in Gambling Disorder (GD) symptoms in adolescents. The study involved 296 Italian adolescents (68% boys, Mage = 17.76, SD = 1.17). Participants completed the risk-taking, risk perception, and expected benefits scales from the Adolescent Domain Specific Risk Taking (DOSPERT) scale (Barkley-Levenson et al. in Dev Cognitive Neurosci 3: 72-83, 2013), as well as the Gambling Behavior Scale for Adolescents (GBS-A; as reported (Primi et al. in Gambling Behavior Scale for Adolescents in, Hogrefe, Florence, 2015) were administered. Consistent with predictions, risk-taking scores for the Gambling domain predicted adolescent gambling outcomes, relative to the other DOSPERT risk-domains (Ethical, Health/Safety, Recreational, Social). Additionally, we found that greater Gambling risk perceptions were associated with lower risk-taking scores, whereas greater perceived expected benefits were associated with higher risk-taking scores. Moreover, we found significant indirect effects between perceived risks and benefits and problem-gambling severity, mediated via Gambling risk-taking scores, though expected benefits demonstrated a stronger indirect effect. These results have important implications for practice as they emphasize that specific interventions aimed at preventing problem gambling in adolescents should address their perceptions about gambling benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anna Donati
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug, and Child's Health, Section of Psychology, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi, 12, Padiglione 26, Florence, Italy.
| | - Joshua Weller
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.,Centre for Decision Research, University of Leeds Business School, Leeds, UK
| | - Caterina Primi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug, and Child's Health, Section of Psychology, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi, 12, Padiglione 26, Florence, Italy
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20
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Amazue LO, Awo LO, Agbo AA, Ekwe CN, Ojiaku MC. Association of Near-Miss with Two Erroneous Gambling Cognitions and Betting Intention: Evidence from Nigerian Adolescents. J Gambl Stud 2021; 37:837-852. [PMID: 33386515 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-020-09994-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Evidences show increase of positive attitudes of Nigerian adolescents towards gambling in the past decade. Nigerian adolescents have been shown to spend significant part of their academic time and resources on Soccer bets. This behaviour could act as a predisposing factor for poor academic performances and problem gambling at adulthood. The present study drew from the cognitive distortion model to examine the mediational role of near-miss in the erroneous cognition-betting intention association through a survey study design. Male adolescents (N = 237; Mean age = 17.37 years; SD = 4.13) of public schools in Nigeria who engage in Soccer betting took part in the study. They completed self-report measures of erroneous cognition, near-miss and betting intention. Results revealed that interpretative bias was not associated with near-miss while it was positively associated with betting intention. Illusion of control was positively associated with near-miss and betting intention. Near-miss was positively associated with betting intention and mediated the associations between interpretative bias and betting intention (negative mediation) and illusion of control, and betting intention (positive mediation). The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Larry O Awo
- Social Sciences and Humanities Unit, Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny Island, Nigeria.
| | - Aaron A Agbo
- Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
| | - Catherine N Ekwe
- Department of Educational Foundations and Counselling, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria
| | - Mildred C Ojiaku
- Department of Psychology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
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A Longitudinal Analysis of Gambling Predictors among Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17249266. [PMID: 33322378 PMCID: PMC7763018 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Although gambling is forbidden for minors, the prevalence of gambling among adolescents is increasing. In order to improve preventive interventions, more evidence on predictors of gambling onset is needed. A longitudinal study was proposed to (1) establish the prevalence of gambling; (2) identify factors associated with gambling behavior the following year; and (3) adjust a model to predict gambling behavior. A cohort of 1074 students (13-18 years old) was followed for 12 months. The prevalence of gambling reached 42.0% in the second measure. Boys gambled 2.7 times more than girls, and the highest percentages of gambling onset showed up between 13 and 14 years old. Gambling onset and maintenance was associated with gender, age, sensation-seeking, risk perception, self-efficacy for not gambling, parents' attitude towards gambling, group pressure (friends), subjective norm, exposure to advertising, accessibility, normative perception, gambling in T1 and parents gambling behavior. Gender, gambling in T1 and risk perception were significant in all three logistic adjusted regression models, with the fourth variable being sensation seeking, peer pressure (friends) and accessibility, respectively. It is suggested that universal prevention should be aimed preferably at children under 15 years old and to alert regulators and public administrations to the directly proportional relationship between accessibility and gambling onset.
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Labrador M, Labrador FJ, Crespo M, Echeburúa E, Becoña E. Cognitive Distortions in Gamblers and Non-gamblers of a Representative Spanish Sample. J Gambl Stud 2020; 36:207-222. [PMID: 31209738 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-019-09870-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive biases or distortions related to gambling, present in all people, are considered a relevant factor in the development of gambling-related problems. OBJECTIVE to establish whether the presence of these biases or cognitive distortions, in gamblers and non-gamblers, is related to the presence of gambling problems. METHOD 3000 people aged 18-81 years, representative of the Spanish adult population, underwent a structured survey. RESULTS the presence of distortions was relevant to distinguish gamblers according to their level of gambling engagement and problems. There is a constant and significant tendency to have more cognitive distortions as gambling problems increase. But not all distortions have the same ability to distinguish between the different groups of gamblers. The results seem to group gamblers into three groups according to the presence of cognitive distortions, from less to more: (1) non-gamblers, (2) low-risk and at-risk gamblers, and (3) problem and pathological gamblers. The relevance of this research and its practical implications for both treatment and prevention work is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Labrador
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, Ctra. de Húmera, s/n, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Francisco J Labrador
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, Ctra. de Húmera, s/n, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Crespo
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Campus de Somosaguas, Ctra. de Húmera, s/n, 28223, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Enrique Echeburúa
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad del Pais Vasco, Tolosa Hiribidea, 70, 20018, Donostia, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Elisardo Becoña
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Santiago de Compostela, Campus Vida, Calle Xosé María Suárez Núñez, s/n, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, La Coruña, Spain
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Although numerous correlational studies have shown an association between cognitive distortions and problem gambling, only a few behavioral studies have investigated this topic by comparing problem (PGs) and non-problem gamblers (N-PGs). This quasi-experiment investigated the occurrence in both groups of a widespread cognitive distortion, the gambler's fallacy (GF), using a fictitious roulette game. Moreover, it investigated whether the GF increased the bet amount and whether impulsivity and sensation seeking were associated with the GF. METHODS Two indices of the GF were used: a cognitive index, the probability estimate of each outcome (black/red) after manipulating the final run length (the same outcome occurring four times/once), and a behavioral index, the choice of the outcome on which to bet. A total of 320 (160 PGs and 160 N-PGs) unpaid male volunteers, aged between 18 and 68, participated in this study. HYPOTHESES Erroneous probability estimates should mediate the effect of longer runs on the alternation choice (i.e., the choice of an outcome different from the previous one) to support the occurrence of GF. The GF should increase betting. PGs should be more prone than N-PGs to GF. RESULTS The choice of the outcome depended on both cognitive (erroneous probability estimates) and affective (preference for red) factors. PGs bet more than N-PGs but they were not more prone than N-PGs to incurring GF. Although impulsivity and sensation seeking were more intense in PGs than in N-PGs, they scarcely affected GF. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results corroborate the tested model of the GF that links mistaken probability estimates, choice of the outcome on which to bet, and bet amount. However, they are similar to PGs and N-PGs and fail to corroborate the hypothesis that the GF is more evident in PGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olimpia Matarazzo
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy,Corresponding author: Olimpia Matarazzo; Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Viale Ellittico, 31 – 81100 Caserta, Italy; Phone: +39 823 275 379; Fax: +39 823 323 000; E-mail:
| | | | - Claudia Greco
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Barbara Pizzini
- Department of Psychology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
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Keen B, Anjoul F, Blaszczynski A. How learning misconceptions can improve outcomes and youth engagement with gambling education programs. J Behav Addict 2019; 8:372-383. [PMID: 31553237 PMCID: PMC7044616 DOI: 10.1556/2006.8.2019.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Gambling education programs typically focus on promoting gambling as a high-risk activity with harmful effects; however, these programs demonstrate limited effects on the prevention of gambling problems. This paper proposes a clear theoretical framework to inform the content and delivery of gambling education initiatives and draws on psychological and pedagogical research to address some of the practical issues associated with its implementation. METHODS Literature was reviewed across fields of psychology, public health, and pedagogy to provide key recommendations to improve the outcomes of gambling education. RESULTS Four key recommendations were made for the development of future gambling education programs centering on theoretical approach, specialized content, and delivery. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Recommended advancements are as follows: (a) evidence suggests shifting away from messages about gambling harms and instead applying a cognitive-developmental framework of problem gambling that may improve youth engagement by increasing personal relevance. (b) The cognitive model of problem gambling suggests that misconceptions about the profitability of gambling games (e.g., the gambler's fallacy) play an important role in the development of problems and should be a key target for education. However, exposing such misconceptions requires the challenge of teaching the mathematical principles that underpin them. (c) The pedagogical field provides valuable insights into teaching complex concepts. Research that applies the conceptual change model to science education suggests misconceptions also facilitate learning new complex information, such as gambling-related mathematical concepts (i.e., randomness and statistics). (d) In addition, improvements in computer-assisted teaching methods provide opportunities to use simulations and visualizations to help teach abstract concepts and correct such misconceptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Keen
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,Corresponding author: Brittany Keen; School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, 94 Mallett Street, Camperdown 2050, NSW, Australia; Phone: +61 2 9114 4373; Fax: +61 2 9036 5223; E-mail:
| | - Fadi Anjoul
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alex Blaszczynski
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Donati MA, Sottili E, Morsanyi K, Primi C. Time Perspectives and Gambling in Adolescent Boys: Differential Effects of Present- and Future-Orientation. J Gambl Stud 2019; 35:107-124. [PMID: 29868999 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-018-9780-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent boys are characterised by increased risk-taking behavior, including a relatively high propensity to develop problem gambling habits. The association between gambling and sensitivity to immediately available rewards is well-established, suggesting that gamblers are less influenced by potential future consequences than non-gamblers. Nevertheless, existing studies have considered present- and future-orientation as two ends of the same continuum, and have not investigated the possibility that present and future perspectives might make independent contributions to gambling behavior. In the current study, we adopted Zimbardo's multidimensional approach, which discriminates between not only present and future perspectives, but also between a hedonistic and fatalistic present-orientation (in addition to positive and negative orientations towards the past). The participants were 223 male adolescents (mean age = 16.7 years). We investigated the effects of time perspectives on gambling frequency and gambling problem severity, after taking into account the effects of age, sensation seeking, and gambling-related cognitive distortions. Gambling frequency was significantly predicted by the present fatalistic perspective, and problem gambling was significantly (negatively) related to the future perspective. The present hedonistic and past negative perspectives were also significantly related to both gambling frequency and gambling problems, although they did not explain additional variance in gambling behavior when the effects of the other factors were controlled. Overall, these results offer a fresh perspective on the role of time perspectives in gambling behavior, with potential implications for understanding the origins of gambling problems and the development of novel interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Anna Donati
- NEUROFARBA Department, Section of Psychology, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi, 12 - Padiglione 26, 50135, Florence, Italy.
| | - Elena Sottili
- NEUROFARBA Department, Section of Psychology, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi, 12 - Padiglione 26, 50135, Florence, Italy
| | - Kinga Morsanyi
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Caterina Primi
- NEUROFARBA Department, Section of Psychology, University of Florence, Via di San Salvi, 12 - Padiglione 26, 50135, Florence, Italy
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Browne M, Hing N, Rockloff M, Russell AMT, Greer N, Nicoll F, Smith G. A Multivariate Evaluation of 25 Proximal and Distal Risk-Factors for Gambling-Related Harm. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8040509. [PMID: 31013926 PMCID: PMC6518151 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8040509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual differences in the risk of developing gambling-related harm play an important role in theoretical models and practical interventions. The present study attempted comprehensive measurement and evaluation of 25 known risk factors for gambling-related harm in order to determine which factors provided large and unique explanatory power. We surveyed 1650 regular gamblers from an online panel, screening in 1174 (466 male) who passed all checks of attention and response consistency. We evaluated each risk factor based on bivariate correlations with harms, then made separate multivariate evaluations of proximal (e.g., gambling motivations) and distal (e.g., religiosity) risk factors. Almost all bivariate correlations were significant, but most distal factors were not significant in multivariate models. Trait impulsivity was the most important risk factor by a large margin. Excessive consumption, less use of safe gambling practices, and more fallacies were key proximal risks of harm. Many well-known correlates of gambling harm (e.g., youth, lower educational attainment) do not show a direct role in the development of gambling harm when controlling for other factors. The results support theoretical models that emphasise early conditioning and biological vulnerability (manifested through impulsivity). Since maladaptive cognitive and behavioural schemas appear to be more important than motivations (e.g., escape, excitement, ego), interventions may benefit by targeting these proximal drivers of harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Browne
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive Bundaberg, Branyan, QLD 4670, Australia.
| | - Nerilee Hing
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive Bundaberg, Branyan, QLD 4670, Australia.
| | - Matthew Rockloff
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive Bundaberg, Branyan, QLD 4670, Australia.
| | - Alex M T Russell
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive Bundaberg, Branyan, QLD 4670, Australia.
| | - Nancy Greer
- Experimental Gambling Research Laboratory, School of Health, Medical and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive Bundaberg, Branyan, QLD 4670, Australia.
| | - Fiona Nicoll
- Department of Political Science, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
| | - Garry Smith
- Faculty of Extension, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
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