Abstract
There is an increasing consensus that problem gambling (PG) is a serious social issue among the Chinese, but little is known of the factors associated with PG among the Chinese using validated and improved PG measurements. This study examined the patterns of PG and the PG predictive ability of variables such as gambling-related cognitions, gambling urge, depression, anxiety, stress, and help-seeking attitudes among Chinese individuals living in Taiwan. The participants consisted of 801 Taiwanese Chinese student and community individuals (Mean age = 25.36 years). The prevalence of PG (Problem Gambling Severity Index; PGSI) and pathological gambling (South Oaks Gambling Screen; SOGS) are higher in this Taiwanese Chinese sample as compared with past prevalence research. Significant differences were found between PGSI groups (i.e., non-PG, low-risk, moderate-risk, and PG) in socio-demographic variables. Erroneous gambling-related cognitions and overall negative psychological states significantly predicted PG. In addition, interaction effects of gender, mediation effects, and the predictive ability of help-seeking attitudes were discussed. The findings of this study have important implications in the understanding of PG among the Chinese. Gambling-related cognitions and negative psychological states are important factors that should be addressed in intervention programs.
Highlights
The earliest documented accounts of gambling were recorded in China where “keno” was first played 3000 years ago to fund the building of the Great Wall (National Policy Toward Gambling, 1974)
As the Chinese ethnic group is the largest ethnic group representing 22% of the world’s population (Tseng, Lin, & Yeh, 1995) and as gambling is popular among this group, it is important that we investigate the patterns of problem gambling (PG) among the Chinese and highlight the socio-demographic variables and correlates of PG such as gambling-related cognitions, gambling urge, depression, anxiety, stress, and help-seeking correlates in order to assist in identification of PG cases for early detection and intervention
The current study examined the patterns of PG, socio-demographic correlates, PG correlates, and help-seeking attitudes among Chinese individuals residing in Taiwan with modifications in PG screening tools in an attempt to remediate the issue of PG over-estimation in past Chinese studies (i.e., Chinese South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) cut scores and Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) scale)
Summary
The earliest documented accounts of gambling were recorded in China where “keno” was first played 3000 years ago to fund the building of the Great Wall (National Policy Toward Gambling, 1974). Gambling was very popular in ancient China and throughout Chinese history despite the fact that it was under strict legislative controls and banned in some regions. Social gambling is expressed as a form of entertainment, often occurring during festive seasons (e.g., Chinese New Year), birthday gatherings, or wedding celebrations. This activity usually happens with friends, family, or colleagues, and the gambling episode lasts for a limited period of time without loss of control (Clarke, Tse et al, 2006). Social gambling can escalate to serious social gambling, problem gambling, and pathological gambling
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