Factors Predicting Depression, Gambling Abstinence Self-Efficacy, and Motivation for Change in Problem Gamblers

Abstract

Objectives ： The purpose of the present study was to identify the characteristics of problem gamblers and the associated factors involved in prediction of depression, gambling abstinence self-efficacy, and motivation for change. Methods ： The present study was a descriptive survey research. Problem gamblers aged 20 years or older who received gambling counseling were recruited through the process of convenience sampling in South Korea. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test, Analysis of Variance, and multiple regression. Results ： Factors predicting depression were high problem gambling total scores (β=0.37, p＜0.001), low attendance rates for counseling sessions(β=-0.37, p＜0.001), and low satisfaction with the counseling (β=-0.11, p＜0.05) in 268 problem gamblers. Factors predicting gambling abstinence self-efficacy were high attendance rates for counseling sessions (β=0.51, p＜0.001), low problem gambling total scores (β=-0.22, p＜0.001), and high satisfaction with the counseling (β=0.14, p＜0.05). Factors predicting motivation to change gambling behavior were high attendance rates for counseling sessions (β=0.30, p＜0.001) and low problem gambling total scores (β=-0.16, p＜0.05). Conclusion : Problematic gambling scores were found to have a statistically significant correlation with depression, gambling abstinence self-efficacy, and motivation to change gambling behavior. It is hypothesized that to alleviate the depression of problematic gamblers and enhance gambling abstinence self-efficacy and for motivation to change gambling behavior, continuous counseling should be pro-vided along with early interventions.