Gambling-related Cognitions Research Articles

Exploring the relationships between psychological variables and loot box engagement, part 2: exploratory analyses of complex relationships.

In a pre-registered survey linked to this paper (Exploring the relationships between psychological variables and loot box engagement, part 1: pre-registered hypotheses), we confirmed bivariate associations between engagement with loot boxes (purchasable randomized rewards in video games) and measures of problem gambling, problem video gaming, impulsivity, gambling cognitions, experiences of game-related 'flow', psychological distress and reduced wellbeing. However, these variables have complex relationships, so to gain further insights, we analysed the dataset (1495 gamers who purchase loot boxes and 1223 purchasers of non-randomized content) in a series of Bayesian mixed-effects multiple regressions with a zero-inflation component. The results challenge some well-established results in the literature, including associations between loot box engagement and problematic gambling measures, instead suggesting that this relationship might be underpinned by shared variance with problem video gaming and gambling-related cognitions. An entirely novel discovery revealed a complex interaction between experiences of flow and loot box engagement. Distress and wellbeing are both (somewhat contradictorily) predictive of participants engaging with loot boxes, but neither correlate with increasing loot box risky engagement/spend (among those who engage). Our findings unravel some of the nuances underpinning loot box engagement, yet remain consistent with narratives that policy action on loot boxes will have benefits for harm minimization.

Exploring the relationships between psychological variables and loot box engagement, part 1: pre-registered hypotheses.

Loot boxes are purchasable randomized rewards in video games that share structural and psychological similarities with gambling. Systematic review evidence has established reproducible associations between loot box purchasing and both problem gambling and problem video gaming, perhaps driven by a range of overlapping psychological processes (e.g. impulsivity, gambling-related cognitions, etc.) It has also been argued that loot box engagement may have negative influences on player financial and psychological wellbeing. We conducted a pre-registered survey of 1495 loot box purchasing gamers (LB cohort) and 1223 gamers who purchase other, non-randomized game content (nLB cohort). Our survey confirms 15 of our 23 pre-registered hypotheses against our primary outcome (risky loot box engagement), establishing associations with problem gambling, problem gaming, impulsivity, gambling cognitions, experiences of game-related 'flow' and specific 'distraction and compulsion' motivations for purchase. Results with hypotheses concerning potential harms established that risky loot box engagement was negatively correlated with wellbeing and positively correlated with distress. Overall, results indicate that any risks from loot boxes are liable to disproportionately affect various 'at risk' cohorts (e.g. those experiencing problem gambling or video gaming), thereby reiterating calls for policy action on loot boxes.

Validation of Gambling Related Cognitions Scale-Iranian Version (GRCS-IR).

The change in gambling forms, a wide variety of advertising methods, the access to gambling, as well as the increase in participation in online gambling have made it important to know and investigate gambling, particularly as pathological gambling leads to psychological and physical damage. The present study investigated the factor structure of the Gambling Related Cognitions Scale (GRCS) proposed by Raylu and Oei in addiction. The study sample included 574 participants (40.2% male, 59.8% female) between 18 and 56 years of age. The instruments used in the present study included the GRCS, the South Oaks Gambling Screen Questionnaire (SOGS), the Victorian Gambling Screen (VGS), and the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). A 5-factor GRCS model provided the best fit to the data, and gambling-related cognitions were a strong predictor of disordered gambling among adults. All subscales presented good internal consistency and scalability. The findings showed that the total score of the GRCS-IR was significantly different among men and women. The findings of this study confirmed that the Iranian version of the GRCS-IR is an effective multidimensional instrument that accurately measures cognitive distortions related to gambling. Consequently, it can be utilized as a valuable tool for assessing GRC (Gambling Related Cognitions) to understand the severity of pathological gambling and has the potential capacity to measure treatment outcomes.

Guided versus unguided chatbot-delivered cognitive behavioral intervention for individuals with moderate-risk and problem gambling: A randomized controlled trial (GAMBOT2 study)

BackgroundInternet-based interventions can be a promising option for individuals with problem gambling facing barriers to seeking help. This study aimed to directly compare the effects of therapist-guided Internet interventions with unguided ones on gambling-related behavior, cognition, and stage of change including help-seeking intention. MethodsWe conducted a participant-blinded randomized controlled trial of therapist-guided versus unguided groups with a 12-week follow-up. Both groups received self-help chatbot-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy. Additionally, at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4, the guided group received personalized feedback messages from therapists based on their gambling diary and questionnaire responses. The unguided group received reminders of assessments from research assistants. The primary outcome was the change in scores on the Gambling Symptoms Assessment Scale (G-SAS) over 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes included the stage of change including help-seeking intention, money wagered, gambling frequency, and gambling-related cognitions. ResultsWe included 139 participants with a mean Problem Gambling Severity Index total score of 14.6 and a mean G-SAS total score of 27.0 who sought information about gambling problems. Both groups demonstrated substantial decreases in their G-SAS scores from baseline to week 12 (-10.2, 95% CI: −7.67 to −12.7 for the guided group, and 11.7, 95% CI: −9.05 to −14.3 for the unguided group). However, we did not find a significant between-group difference (1.49, 95% CI: −2.20 to 5.17). Regarding the stage of change including help-seeking intention, there were also no between-group differences. ConclusionsMinimum therapist support did not have an additive effect on the self-help chatbot intervention on gambling symptoms, behavior, and the stage of change including help-seeking intention.

Impulsivity, Gambling-Related Cognitions, Cognitive Reappraisal and Gambling Behaviour in a Malaysian Sample

The relationships between cognitive reappraisal and problem gambling have been widely studied in different contexts. However, previous research findings remain inconsistent. This discrepancy might be attributed to the effects of interactions between cognitive reappraisal and other risk factors for problem gambling. Using moderation models, this study examined the association between impulsivity, gambling-related cognitive distortions, cognitive reappraisal and problem gambling in a sample of Malaysian gamblers. A total of 149 community gamblers (103 males, 46 females; mean age = 32.18) completed an online questionnaire. Problem gambling was measured with the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS); cognitive reappraisal was measured using the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire-Cognitive Reappraisal Subscale (ERQ-CR); impulsivity was measured with the Short-UPPS-P Impulsive Behaviour Scale (SUPPS-P); and gambling-related cognitive distortions were measured using the Gambling Related Cognitions Scale (GRCS). The results revealed impulsivity and gambling-related cognitive distortions as significant predictors of problem gambling. At high levels, impulsivity and cognitive distortions are significant moderator variables that strengthen the association between cognitive reappraisal and problem gambling. These findings demonstrate that reappraisal skills could exacerbate problem gambling severity amongst impulsive or self-deceptive gamblers. Future research with larger and more representative samples is needed to validate and generalise these findings.

The Role of Aging, Time Perspective, and Gambling-Related Cognitions in Affective Decision-Making

AbstractSeveral studies have examined age differences in affective decision-making utilizing the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). However, findings are mixed, with some studies reporting impairments due to aging and others showing no age-related differences. The few studies that have explored personality correlates of IGT performance suggest that underlying personality characteristics may impact performance on the IGT beyond aging. Therefore, the present study investigated the interplay between chronological age, temporal perspective, and gambling-related cognitions in affective decision-making while controlling for gambling severity. Through snowball sampling, 302 adults aged 18–75 years were recruited. They administered the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), Consideration of Future Consequences scale (CFC-14), Gambling-Related Cognitions Scale (GRCS), and IGT. Regression analysis showed that future orientation and gambling-related cognitions (namely gambling expectancies, illusion of control, and predictive control) predicted IGT performance. Gender, age, education, and gambling severity were not included in the final model. Path analysis showed that gambling expectancies positively impacted the performance, whereas illusion of control and predictive control were detrimental to decision-making. Being oriented toward the future mitigated the negative effects of the two cognitive biases on IGT performance. The present study shows that aging does not affect negatively IGT performance. The quality of performance appears to depend upon individual characteristics, such as future orientation and gambling-related cognitions, irrespective of gambling severity. These findings suggest that individual characteristics should be considered in the clinical evaluation of IGT performance.

An empirical investigation of the Pathways Model of problem gambling through the conjoint use of self-reports and behavioural tasks.

Blaszczynski and Nower (2002) conceptualized their Pathways Model by postulating the existence of three subtypes of problem gamblers who share common characteristics, but also present specific ones. This study investigated how the psychological mechanisms postulated in the Pathways Model predict clinical status in a sample that combined treatment-seeking gamblers (n = 59) and non-problematic community gamblers (n = 107). To test the Pathways Model, we computed a hierarchic logistic regression in which variables associated with each postulated pathway were entered sequentially to predict the status of the treatment-seeking gambler. Self-report questionnaires measured gambling-related cognitions, alexithymia, emotional reactivity, emotion regulation strategies and impulsivity. Behavioural tasks measured gambling persistence (slot machine task), decision-making under uncertainty (Iowa Gambling Task) and decision-making under risk (Game of Dice Task). We showed that specific factors theorized as underlying mechanisms for each pathway predicted the status of clinical gambler. For each pathway, significant predictors included gambling-related cognitive distortions and behaviourally measured gambling persistence (behaviourally conditioned pathway), emotional reactivity and emotion regulation strategies (emotionally vulnerable pathway), and lack of premeditation impulsivity facet (impulsivist-antisocial pathway). Our study adds to the body of literature confirming the validity of the Pathways Model and hold important implications in terms of assessment and treatment of problem gambling. In particular, a standardized assessment based on the Pathways Model should promote individualized treatment strategies to allow clinicians to take into account the high heterogeneity that characterizes gambling disorder.

Gambling along the schizotypal spectrum: The associations between schizotypal personality, gambling-related cognitions, luck, and problem gambling.

ObjectiveSchizotypal personality (schizotypy) is a cluster of traits in the general population, including alterations in belief formation that may underpin delusional thinking. The psychological processes described by schizotypy could also fuel cognitive distortions in the context of gambling. This study sought to characterize the relationships between schizotypy, gambling-related cognitive distortions, and levels of problem gambling.MethodsAnalyses were conducted on three groups, a student sample (n = 104) with minimal self-reported gambling involvement, a crowdsourced sample of regular gamblers (via MTurk; n = 277), and an additional crowdsourced sample with a range of gambling involvement (via MTurk; n = 144). Primary measures included the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire – Brief (SPQ-B), the Peters et al. Delusions Inventory (PDI-21), the Gambling Related Cognitions Scale (GRCS), and the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). Luck was measured with either the Belief in Good Luck Scale (BIGLS) or the Beliefs Around Luck Scale (BALS).ResultsSmall-to-moderate associations were detected between the components of schizotypy, including delusion proneness, and the gambling-related variables. Schizotypy was associated with the general belief in luck and bad luck, but not beliefs in good luck. A series of partial correlations demonstrated that when the GRCS was controlled for, the relationship between schizotypy and problem gambling was attenuated.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that schizotypy is a small-to-moderate correlate of erroneous gambling beliefs and PG. These data help characterize clinical comorbidities between the schizotypal spectrum and problem gambling, and point to shared biases relating to belief formation and decision-making under chance.

Loot boxes and problem gambling: Investigating the “gateway hypothesis”

Loot boxes are purchasable items in video games with a chance-based outcome. They have attracted substantial attention from academics and legislators over recent years, partly because of associations between loot box engagement and problem gambling. Some researchers have suggested that loot boxes may act as a gateway into subsequent gambling and/or problem gambling. However, such “gateway effects” have not been formally investigated. Using a survey of 1102 individuals who both purchase loot boxes and gamble, we found that 19.87% of the sample self-reported either “gateway effects” (loot boxes causally influencing subsequent gambling) or “reverse gateway effects” (gambling causally influencing subsequent loot box engagement). Both subsets of participants had higher scores for problem gambling, problem video gaming, gambling-related cognitions, risky loot boxes engagement, and impulsivity. These individuals also had a tendency for higher loot box and gambling spend; suggesting that potential gateway effects are related to measurable risks and harms. Moreover, the majority of participants reporting gateway effects were under 18 when they first purchased loot boxes. Content analysis of free text responses revealed several reasons for self-reported gateway effects, the most frequent of which were sensation-seeking, normalisation of gambling-like behaviours, and the addictive nature of both activities. Whilst the cross-sectional nature of our findings cannot conclusively establish directions of causality, thus highlighting the need for longitudinal research, we conclude that there is a case for legislation on loot boxes for harm minimisation purposes.

Efficacy of an internet-based psychological intervention for problem gambling and gambling disorder: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Gambling Disorder is a prevalent non-substance use disorder, which contrasts with the low number of people requesting treatment. Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) could help to enhance the dissemination of evidence-based treatments and considerably reduce the costs. The current study seeks to assess the efficacy of an online psychological intervention for people suffering from gambling problems in Spain. The proposed study will be a two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. A total of 134 participants (problem and pathological gamblers) will be randomly allocated to a waiting list control group (N = 67) or an intervention group (N = 67). The intervention program includes 8 modules, and it is based on motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and extensions and innovations of CBT. It includes several complementary tools that are present throughout the entire intervention. Therapeutic support will be provided once a week through a phone call with a maximum length of 10 min. The primary outcome measure will be gambling severity and gambling-related cognitions, and secondary outcome measures will be readiness to change, and gambling self-efficacy. Other variables that will be considered are depression and anxiety symptoms, positive and negative affect, difficulties in emotion regulation strategies, impulsivity, and quality of life. Individuals will be assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. During the treatment, participants will also respond to a daily Ecological Momentary Intervention (EMI) in order to evaluate urges to gamble, self-efficacy to cope with gambling urges, gambling urge frequency, and whether gambling behaviour occurs. The EMI includes immediate automatic feedback depending on the participant's responses. Treatment acceptance and satisfaction will also be assessed. The data will be analysed both per protocol and by Intention-to-treat. As far as we know, this is the first randomized controlled trial of an online psychological intervention for gambling disorder in Spain. It will expand our knowledge about treatments delivered via the Internet and contribute to improving treatment dissemination, reaching people suffering from this problem who otherwise would not receive help. Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov as NCT04074681. Registered 22 July 2019.

Gambling and ageing: less illusion but more risk

AbstractSeniors are a population of concern due to exposure to both increasing gambling venues and powerful age-specific risk factors. There has been only limited research on this population so far, but studies conducted among younger adults suggest that the illusion of control is a key factor, leading players to develop strategies that increase their risk-taking in gambling. Time perspective (TP) is a good indicator of risky behaviours in a number of different areas, including health and the environment. In the present study, we sought to identify the age-specific cognitive mechanisms underlying gambling behaviour in normal ageing. We asked 115 emerging adults (mean age = 20.86 years), 86 young adults (mean age = 30.59), 82 middle-aged adults (mean age = 44.57) and 108 seniors (mean age = 65.19) to play an online game. We rated their illusion of control, risk-taking and TP. Analysis revealed that seniors took more risks and had less illusion of control than younger adults. The fatalistic-present TP positively influenced the illusion of control, such that perceiving the present as being determined by uncontrollable forces increased the perceived level of control. Finally, we found an influence of age on TP. These results suggest that seniors constitute a specific population in terms of gambling-related cognitions and behaviours. Including TP in risky behaviour assessments would allow the development of tailor-made preventive measures.

Predicting Problem Gambling Severity: Interplay between Emotion Dysregulation and Gambling-related Cognitions.

Understanding how emotion regulation and gambling-related cognitive distortions relate to gambling problems has direct relevance for problem gambling prevention and treatment. Although these factors have been identified as robust psychological correlates for problem gambling, the interplay between emotional regulation and cognitive biases in influencing problem gambling behaviours is yet to be fully understood. Accordingly, this study examined the explanatory role of cognitive distortions in the association between emotion regulation difficulties and problem gambling behaviours and also explored the interaction between emotion regulation and cognitive distortions in predicting gambling severity. A total of 301 adults (182 males and 119 females; age range: 18-71years, M = 32.62, SD = 10.03) completed an online questionnaire comprising measures of emotional regulation difficulties, gambling-related beliefs and problem gambling severity. Analyses revealed that emotion regulation difficulties and erroneous gambling beliefs were positively related to problem gambling severity. Further, cognitive distortions partially accounted for the relationship between emotional regulation difficulties and problem gambling, although emotion regulation retained a direct relationship with problem gambling. There was no interaction between emotional regulation and cognitive distortions. The findings indicate that emotion regulation may serve as a precursor to the development of cognitive distortions, while also directly influencing problem gambling. Implications for assessment and treatment of problem gambling are discussed.

Gambling-Specific Cognitions Are Not Associated With Either Abstract or Probabilistic Reasoning: A Dual Frequentist-Bayesian Analysis of Individuals With and Without Gambling Disorder.

BackgroundDistorted 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.MethodIn 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 interpretationNeither 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.

Gambling disorder is associated with reduced sensitivity to expected value during risky choice.

Background and aimsIndividuals with gambling disorder display increased levels of risk-taking, but it is not known if it is associated with an altered subjective valuation of gains and/or losses, perception of their probabilities, or integration of these sources of information into expected value.Methods Participants with gambling disorder ( n = 48) were compared with a healthy comparison group ( n = 35) on a two-choice lottery task that involved either gains-only or losses-only gambles. On each trial, two lotteries were displayed, showing the associated probability and magnitude of the possible outcome for each. On each trial, participants chose one of the two lotteries, and the outcome was revealed. ResultsChoice behaviour was highly sensitive to the expected value of the two gambles in both the gain and loss domains. This sensitivity to expected value was attenuated in the group with gambling disorder. The group with gambling disorder used both probability and magnitude information less, and this impairment was greater for probability information. By contrast, they used prior feedback (win vs loss) to inform their next choice, despite the independence of each trial. Within the gambling disorder group, problem gambling severity and trait gambling-related cognitions independently predicted reduced sensitivity to expected value. The majority of observed effects were consistent across both gain and loss domains.Discussion and ConclusionsOur results provide a thorough characterization of decision processes in gain and loss domains in gambling disorder, and place these problems in the context of theoretical constructs from behavioural economics.

The role of gambling type on gambling motives, cognitive distortions, and gambling severity in gamblers recruited online.

The recent literature shows that the type of gambling practiced influences problem gambling. This study was aimed at investigating the factors associated with gambling type, including gambling severity, gambling motives, and cognitive distortions. A total of 291 regular male gamblers (229 skill gamblers and 62 mixed gamblers, i.e., those who play at least one game of chance and one skill game) were recruited online and assessed for gambling severity (South Oaks Gambling Screen), gambling motives (Gambling Motives Questionnaire-Financial), cognitive distortions (Gambling-Related Cognition Scale), and psychological distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). After controlling for the number of games played and psychological distress, we found that gambling type was significantly associated with gambling severity. Moreover, controlling for psychological distress showed that gambling type was also significantly associated with coping motives and interpretative bias. First, mixed gamblers had higher severity scores and higher coping motivation than skill gamblers; second, skill gamblers seemed more at risk of developing interpretative bias. Thus, the gamblers presented different psychological, motivational, and cognitive profiles according to gambling type, indicating that different clinical interventions may be relevant. Working on coping motives and anxiety and depression symptoms with an abstinence purpose would be more suitable for mixed gamblers. Indeed, working on these points could lead to the gambler reducing or eventually ceasing gambling, as the need to regulate negative emotions through gambling behavior would fade in parallel. Gambling type, psychological distress, gambling motives, and cognitive distortions should be taken into consideration systematically in clinical interventions of patients with plural and mixed practice of games.

Impulsivity facets and cognitive distortions associated with problem gambling: Differences between ADHD and non-ADHD gamblers

ObjectiveTo compare the association between (1) impulsivity facets or cognitive distortions, and (2) problem gambling between male gamblers with versus without self-reported Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). MethodIn 287 male gamblers recruited online, we assessed problem gambling (South Oaks Gambling Screen; cut-off≥3), Adult ADHD Self-report Scale-V1.1 (ADHD), impulsivity facets (UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale-short version) and gambling-related cognitions (Gambling-Related Cognitions Scale). ResultsThe prevalence of self-reported ADHD was 21.6%. In both ADHD and non-ADHD groups, problem gambling was associated with negative urgency, positive urgency and the same cognitive distortions. Sensation seeking and lack of premeditation were associated with problem gambling, but only in non-ADHD gamblers (significant interaction effect). ConclusionDifferent impulsivity facets, but not different cognitive distortions, are associated with problem gambling in male gamblers with or without ADHD. Emotion dysregulation (positive and negative urgency) and cognitive distortions are involved in both groups, but sensation seeking and lack of premeditation may be specific to non-ADHD problem gamblers.

Risk, compensatory, and protective factors in problem gambling: The role of positive mental health characteristics

There is a limited evidence base from which to draw conclusions about compensatory and protective factors for problem gambling. The aim of this study was to explore the potential for positive mental health characteristics (general coping, emotional support, spirituality, interpersonal skills, personal growth and autonomy, and global affect) to play a compensatory role and protective role in problem gambling in a convenience sample of 499 Australian university students. Hazardous alcohol use, past-year substance use, gambling-related cognitions (interpretive bias, illusion of control, predictive control, gambling-related expectancies, and perceived inability to stop gambling), gambling high-risk situations (negative and positive reinforcement situations), and gambling motives (money, positive feelings, regulate internal state, and challenge) positively predicted problem gambling severity. None of the positive mental health characteristics negatively predicted problem gambling severity, suggesting that these factors did not play a compensatory role. However, emotional support, personal growth and autonomy, and global affect buffered the influence of gambling motives and high-risk situations, suggesting that these factors played a protective role. In contrast, spirituality displayed a direct positive predictive relationship with problem gambling severity, suggesting that it served to act as a risk factor in this sample. The identification of these modifiable risk and protective factors has implications for the development of effective prevention and intervention initiatives. Further longitudinal research employing population-representative samples is required to replicate these results and investigate relationship-, community-, and societal-level risk, compensatory and protective factors associated with the development of problem gambling.

The Norwegian remote intervention programme for problem gambling: Short- and long-term outcomes.

Background and aim:Although problem gambling typically involves substantial distress, few seek face-to-face treatment. In Norway, problem gamblers can participate in a governmental supported internet- and telephone-based intervention programme. The current study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of this programme in terms of gambling behaviour, gambling-related cognitions and mental health in a one group pre-test post-test design with a follow-up assessment.Methods:The sample consisted of the 67 participants who completed the intervention programme within a one-year timeframe. Gambling behaviour (SOGS-R), gambling-related cognitions (GBQ) and mental health (SCL-90-R) were measured pre-intervention, post-intervention and at a 6−12 months follow-up. A total of 25 (37.3%) participants completed the follow-up assessment. T-tests were conducted to investigate development in gambling behaviour, gambling-related cognitions and mental health from pre-intervention to post-intervention and follow-up.Results:The analyses showed a significant reduction in gambling behaviour, gambling problems, gambling-related cognitive distortions and mental health symptoms from pre-intervention to post-intervention and follow-up. The corresponding effect sizes for the reductions in gambling and gambling-related cognitive distortions were very large, while the effect sizes for the reductions in mental distress were moderate.Conclusion:The internet/telephone programme appears to have several positive outcomes including reduction in gambling behaviour, gambling problems, gambling-related cognitive distortions and symptoms of mental disorders both in the short and long term. Another positive outcome of participation appears to be a lowered threshold for seeking additional treatment. The current study entails, however, important limitations, and future studies should investigate the outcomes of the programme while including a control group.

Gambling Harms: A Dominance Analysis of Cognitions, Motivation and Impulsivity

Explanatory models of substance and behavioral addictions typically emphasize the contributions of three predictor domains: distorted cognitions related to control; motivations related to rewards and stress-reduction; and, failure to regulate emotions. In the present study, 271 (161 females) patrons at a racetrack-slots facility completed a survey comprising standardized measures of gambling-related cognitions, motivations for gambling, trait impulsivity, and problem gambling severity. The purpose was to explore dominance analysis as a statistical procedure to identify the relative importance of the three domains as predictors of the experience of gambling harms. The first step of the analysis isolated the dominant facet within each of the three multi-dimensional domains. The final step computed relative dominance among those facets. The results indicated that the most dominant predictor was the cognition of an inability to stop gambling. Motivation to avoid life stressors was the second most dominant predictor followed by the tendency to act rashly in the presence of negative emotion (negative urgency). The relative dominance of the predictors of gambling harm may provide a framework for scaffolding interventions directed at mitigating gambling harms.

The Severity of Gambling and Gambling Related Cognitions as Predictors of Emotional Regulation and Coping Strategies in Adolescents

People with gambling disorder (GD) exhibit distorted cognitions and superstitious beliefs more often than the general population.Similarly, difficulties in coping and emotion dysregulation are more prevalent among those with GD, and could determine the onset of GD in particularly vulnerable groups such as adolescents. This study examines the relationship between gambling severity and gambling-related cognitions with coping strategies and emotion regulation. Also, it explores how accurately gambling severity and gambling-related cognitions were able to predict emotion regulation and coping strategies. Two groups were recruited and analyzed: a community sample comprising 250 adolescents and young adults from secondary education schools, and a clinical sample of 31 patients with similar age characteristics seeking treatment for GD. The participants from the clinical sample scored higher on gambling severity, emotion dysregulation, cognitive biases, and maladaptive coping strategies. In the community sample, cognitive biases mediated the relationship between sex and emotion dysregulation and disengagement. People with GD use more often than controls maladaptive emotion regulation strategies to manage negative emotional states. This perspective emphasizes the need to focus on coping with emotions, as opposed to coping with problems, as the best approach to tackle gambling problems.