A Meta-analytical Synthesis and Examination of Pathological and Problem Gambling Rates and Associated Moderators Among College Students, 1987-2016

Correlates of Problematic Gambling in Emerging Adult University Students in Ireland

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the correlates of problematic gambling among emerging adult university students is crucial for developing effective approaches to minimise harm.

METHODS

This cross-sectional survey study reports on 397 18-25 year old emerging adults studying at Irish universities who completed an online survey about problematic gambling and a range of biopsychosocial variables. Chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses explored the relationships between problematic gambling and the biopsychosocial variables measured.

RESULTS

Chi-square analyses showed that being male, having an online gambling account, having a mobile gambling app, novelty seeking (impulsivity), harm avoidance (fear of uncertainty), and high alcohol volume consumption were significantly associated with problematic gambling. Regression analyses showed that individuals were more likely to report problematic gambling if they were male (OR = 9.57 times), had an online gambling account (OR = 17.05 times), had a mobile gambling app (OR = 20.37 times), scored high in impulsivity (OR = 7.79 times), and reported high alcohol volume consumption (OR = 4.66 times). Individuals were less likely to report problematic gambling if they scored high in fear of uncertainty (OR = 0.26 times).

CONCLUSIONS

A high rate of problematic gambling was observed among the current study sample. Participants were more likely to reported problematic gambling if they were male, had online gambling accounts, mobile gambling apps, scored high in impulsivity, scored low in fear of uncertainty, or consumed high volumes of alcohol in typical drinking sessions. These findings have implications for Irish legislation and policy-makers, Irish higher education institutions, and young adult Irish university students.

Sports Gambling Intention Comparison Between Males and Females in the United States

The focus of this research is to understand the sports gambling intentions of Gen Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) that can potentially lead to problematic gambling behavior. Rooted in the theory of planned behavior, the study delves into the roles of attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavior control in shaping these intentions. A cross-sectional study of 513 Gen Z's in the United States was conducted. The partial least square structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationship and compare the differences between males and females with multigroup analysis. The results indicate that attitude and perceived behavior control have a significant impact on this intention, while subjective norms do not exert substantial influence. Notably, gender differences are observed, with males showing a stronger association with perceived behavior control and females with attitude. The model effectively accounts for significant variations in sports gambling intention, highlighting a higher inclination among females as compared to males. This study provides a new perspective for analyzing disparities in sports gambling intention between genders and delves into the underlying motivations that can potentially contribute to the development of problematic gambling disorders. Given the significant societal impact and the adverse effects that gambling disorders have on those affected, it is imperative to conduct research aimed at understanding the reasons behind Gen Z's engagement in gambling. The findings can then be harnessed to inform the development of preventive programs aimed at curbing problematic gambling behaviors.

Investigation of Gambling Behavior, Self-Confidence and Psychological Resilience Levels of University Students

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between gambling behavior, self-confidence, and psychological resilience levels among university students. Additionally, the study aims to investigate the relationship between gambling behavior and socio-demographic variables. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2023. The research employed a questionnaire, the Brief Psychological Resilience Scale, the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), and the Self-Confidence Scale. The study was carried out online, reaching 229 students through Google Forms. According to the SOGS scores, 4.8% of the students are at risk of gambling addiction. Male students have statistically significantly higher SOGS scores than female students. The SOGS score is significantly higher in working students, smokers, and alcohol drinkers (p < 0.05). No statistically significant relationship was found between the students' SOGS scores and the self- confidence scale (p = 0.637) and the brief resilience scale (p = 0.675). It is thought that training should be given to risky groups in order to prevent gambling behavior. In addition, it is thought that supporting university students to be active in different arts and sports fields may have a positive effect on preventing and reducing addictions.

The Mediating Effect of Danger Invulnerability in the Relationship Between Sensation Seeking and Gambling Among University Students

The association between sensation-seeking and gambling is well established, yet the research on mediators of this relationship is limited. The proposed model of the present study includes sensation seeking as an antecedent variable, danger invulnerability as a mediator, and gambling frequency as an outcome variable.Self-report data obtained from a convenient sample of 641 university students aged 18-40 years (Mage = 21.25; F = 52.7%, M = 47.3%) were analysed. This study supported proposed hypothesis that both sensation seeking and danger invulnerability are in significant positive relation with the frequency of gambling. Moreover, the results show that tested mediation model fit the data well, and that danger invulnerability completely mediates the relationship between sensation seeking and gambling frequency, such that higher sensation seeking is related to higher danger invulnerability and higher danger invulnerability is related to higher gambling frequency. The model explained 42.4% of the variance in danger invulnerability and 32.7% of the variance in gambling frequency. This study underscores the importance of examining both the direct and indirect effects of different variables on gambling behaviour.

Development of Gambling Behaviour and Its Relationship with Perceived Social Support: A Longitudinal Study of Young Adult Male Gamblers

Young adult men who gamble frequently face an elevated risk of developing gambling-related problems. So far, little is known about how changing levels of perceived social support interact with the course of gambling behaviour and gambling-related problems in this population. Using data from a prospective single-arm cohort study (Munich Leisure Time Study), we applied hierarchical linear models to investigate the longitudinal association of changes in perceived emotional and social support (hereafter PESS; operationalized as ENRICHD Social Support Instrument score) with gambling intensity, gambling frequency, and fulfilled criteria for gambling disorder. Pooling data from three time points (baseline, 12-month and 24-month follow-ups) to assess two 1-year intervals, these models disentangle the associations of (a) "level of PESS" (cross-sectional, between participants) and (b) "changes in individual PESS" (longitudinally, within-participants). Among the 169 study participants, higher levels of PESS were associated with fewer gambling-related problems (- 0.12 criteria met; p = 0.014). Furthermore, increasing individual PESS was associated with lower gambling frequency (- 0.25 gambling days; p = 0.060) and intensity (- 0.11 gambling hours; p = 0.006), and fewer gambling-related problems (- 0.19 problems; p < 0.001). The results suggest a mitigating influence of PESS on gambling behaviour and gambling-related problems. Increasing individual PESS appears more decisive for this pathway than high initial levels of PESS. Treatment and prevention strategies that activate and reinforce beneficial social resources in people with gambling-related problems are recommended and promising.

The Predictive Role of Tolerance and Health Problems in Problem Gambling: A Cross-Sectional and Cross-Lagged Network Analyses

The existing symptomatic networks of problem gambling are all based on cross-sectional data. Thus, there is a need to explore longitudinal symptom networks of problem gambling. Moreover, the replicability of cross-sectional symptom networks can be limited; therefore, further research should assess the convergence between cross-sectional networks of problem gambling symptoms. The present study aimed (i) to examine cross-sectional networks of problem gambling symptoms and evaluate their replicability and (ii) to examine a longitudinal cross-lagged network of problem gambling symptoms. The study included a representative sample of young adult gamblers (born between 1984 and 2000) from the first two waves of the Budapest Longitudinal Study (original sample: N = 2777; final sample: N = 335). The Problem Gambling Severity Index was used to assess symptoms of problem gambling. Cross-sectional symptom networks showed differences in the centrality of nodes. Correlations between the two cross-sectional networks were low in the presence vs. absence of edges, rank order of edge weights, and centrality estimates. However, network invariance tests indicated non-significant differences between them. The cross-lagged network revealed that the symptoms of tolerance and health problems could predict the subsequent presence of multiple problem gambling symptoms. Overall, limited evidence demonstrated the replicability of cross-sectional symptom networks of problem gambling. Future research needs to explore the utility of cross-sectional networks of problem gambling and assess more precisely causal relationships between problem gambling symptoms by distinguishing within- and between-subject effects.

Longitudinal joint trajectories of gambling disorder and hypomentalization: A latent class growth analysis among young adults

INTRODUCTION

Only a few studies have investigated the relationship between risk for gambling disorder (GD) and mentalization difficulties. However, these results on positive correlations were all from cross-sectional studies; therefore, it would be important to investigate the longitudinal relationship between the constructs.

AIMS

It was aimed to identify subgroups of gamblers with different joint growth trajectories of risk for GD and hypomentalization (i.e., uncertainty of understanding own and others' mental states) and to compare the identified latent classes along impulsivity, sensation seeking and depression.

METHODS

Data from waves 1-3 of the Budapest Longitudinal Study were used. The final sample included 219 young adult gamblers who completed the study questionnaire and reported past-year gambling in all three waves (Females: N = 93 [42.29%]; Mean age: 28.36 years [SD = 4.29]). Standardized questionnaires were administered to measure the main constructs.

RESULTS

A four-class model was retained based on latent class growth analysis. Class 1 had consistently moderately high risk for GD and hypomentalization, and Class 4 presented consistently low risk for GD and hypomentalization. Classes 2-3 were characterized by low risk for GD and increasing hypomentalization. Class 1 had significantly higher sensation seeking and depression compared with the other subgroups in multiple cases. Class 4 showed significantly lower impulsivity and sensation seeking than the other classes.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated hypomentalization was presented among individuals with risk for GD. However, there is little empirical evidence to support that the two constructs have convergently changing trajectories. A cautious interpretation of the results is recommended due to low symptom presence.

Examining the Gambling Behavior of University Students: A Cross-Sectional Survey Applying the Multi-Theory Model (MTM) of Health Behavior Change in a Single Institution

Gambling among college students can start as a pastime activity. However, this pastime can lead to problem gambling and pathological gambling. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify and explain the initiation and sustenance of quitting gambling among university students who had participated in gambling during the past month and those who had not using a novel fourth-generation multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change. Data were collected from a sample of 1474 university students at a large southwestern university in the U.S. between January 2023 and February 2023, utilizing a validated 39-item survey. The statistical analyses employed in this study encompassed descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, and hierarchical regression modeling. Among students who had engaged in gambling in the past month, the constructs of participatory dialogue (β = 0.052; p < 0.05), behavioral confidence (β = 0.073; p < 0.0001), changes in the physical environment (β = 0.040; p = 0.0137), and demographic variables accounted for 27.7% of the variance in the likelihood of initiating the behavior change. Furthermore, the constructs of emotional transformation (β = 0.104; p = 0.0003) and practice for change (β = 0.060; p = 0.0368), and demographic variables accounted for 22.6% of the variance in the likelihood of sustaining quitting gambling behavior. The Multi-Theory Model (MTM) can be employed to design interventions aimed at reducing problem gambling among college students.

Prevalence and Possible Predictors of Gambling Disorder in a Sample of Students in the Healthcare Professions

The Italian version of the South Oaks Gambling Screen questionnaire (SOGS) and a socio-demographic questionnaire were administered to a sample of 275 healthcare professions students aged 19 to 58 years (mean age = 22.17; females = 81.1%) to address the research objectives: to examine the prevalence and correlates of problem gambling in a population of university healthcare professions students in Italy. Among the sample, 8.7% (n = 24) of participants showed problem gambling and 1.5% (n = 4) pathologic gambling. Lottery and scratch cards were the most frequent type of gambling in the sample, followed by cards and bingo. Compared to females, males tend to be more involved in problem gambling and pathological gambling. Males tend to be more involved than females in different types of gambling (such as cards, sports bets, gambling at the casino). Pathological gambling is positively associated with gender, being students lagging behind the regular schedule of exams and parents' level of education. These findings have important implications in terms of prevention and intervention on gambling and pathological gambling. Universities should make available educational programs and counselling services to address this issue.

The relationship of gambling with sensation-seeking behavior and psychological resilience in university students

PURPOSE

We aimed to analyze the relationship of gambling with university students' sensation-seeking behavior and psychological resilience.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional and correlational research was performed with 650 students. Data collection tools were Personal Information Form, South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), Zuckerman Sensation-Seeking Scale (ZSSS), and Brief Resilience Scale (BRS).

FINDINGS

Of the students, 1.2% were probably pathological gamblers. There was a positive relationship between students' SOGS and ZSSS scores (p < 0.05). However, there was no relationship between students' SOGS and BRS scores (p > 0.05).

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Psychological support units and instructors take an active role in determining the gambling behaviors of students and related factors in advance, raising awareness of gambling, and preventing the negative effects of these behaviors in faculty campuses.

Correlates of gambling and gambling problems among Rhode Island young adults: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Numerous states in the USA have legalized sports betting due to recent legal decisions by the US Supreme Court. Here, sociodemographic correlates of current gambling and specific gambling activities associated with symptoms of gambling problems were identified.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data were obtained from the 2020 Rhode Island Young Adult Survey (RIYAS). RIYAS participants (n = 540) were a convenience sample of 18 to 25 year olds who lived in Rhode Island for at least part of 2020. Data were collected from May to October 2020. Four gambling activities were assessed (i.e. sports betting; betting on races; gaming tables at a casino; poker machines at a casino). Logistic regression models assessed main effects.

RESULTS

22.4% engaged in one or more gambling activities. 11.5% of participants had any gambling problems. Odds of gambling activities were higher among men; Black, Indigenous, People of Color; older young adults; and essential workers. Odds of gambling problems were 2.4 times higher among participants who engaged with sports betting.

CONCLUSIONS

Gambling activities are common among several population subgroups, and participation in sports betting may be a risk factor for the development of problem gambling. Comprehensive prevention policies are needed.

Alcohol Use and Gambling Associated with Impulsivity among a Swedish University Sample

Excessive alcohol use and gambling can have negative consequences. Across countries, the risk of excessive alcohol use is more common in university populations than in the general population. However, few studies have investigated the prevalence of both alcohol use and gambling in this group. This study explores these behaviours in a Swedish university setting. In addition, this study investigates how impulsivity affects alcohol use and gambling. In total, 794 Swedish students answered an online survey. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics to determine prevalence, and multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the contribution of impulsivity, age, and sex to alcohol use and gambling. Compared to the Swedish national prevalence, the prevalence was higher for excessive alcohol use, but the prevalence of gambling was at the same level or lower. High levels of impulsivity and male sex increased the risk of excessive alcohol use, while older age lowered the risk of excessive alcohol use and gambling. The results indicate that primarily young men could benefit from primary prevention in a university setting. Also, screening for impulsivity in men might be one way to identify risk groups in a university population.

Student participation in gambling: the role of social cognition, past behaviour, and habit

The study examined the relationship between Theory of Planned Behaviour constructs, past behaviour, habit, and future behaviour relating to students' participation in gambling. Using a cross-sectional design, theory constructs, past behaviour, and habit were examined at T1 (N = 250), and gambling behaviour was assessed four weeks later at T2 (N = 180). Results showed attitude and perceived behavioural control (PBC) predicted intention, and intention and PBC predicted behaviour. The inclusion of past behaviour and habit attenuated the effects of attitude and PBC on intention and rendered the impact of intention on behaviour non-significant. The relationship between past behaviour and future behaviour was mediated by habit and PBC. Interventions should focus on attitude and PBC to attend to gambling intentions in addition to automatic processes to attend to student gambling behaviour.

Predictors of Sports Gambling among College Students: The Role of the Theory of Planned Behavior and Problem Gambling Severity

The current study investigated what influences college students’ behavioral intention and behavior towards sports gambling using the theory of planned behavior (TPB) as a theoretical framework. The study also explored the moderation effect of problem gambling severity in the relationships between TPB determinants, behavioral intention, and sports gambling behavior. Data were collected from 334 college students from four different universities in the U.S. and analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and multi-group analysis. The results indicated that attitude was the most critical determinant of college students’ sports gambling intentions, followed by the subjective norms, while both behavioral intention and perceived behavioral control were significant predictors of sports gambling behavior. The study also found some meaningful moderation effects of problem gambling severity. Subjective norms were influential on college students with greater problem gambling severity, while attitude was the strongest predictor of recreational sports gamblers. Suggestions on prevention and treatment programs regarding sports gambling and problem gambling are discussed.

Embedded Gambling Promotion in Football: An Explorative Study of Cue-Exposure and Urge to Gamble

Limited research has evaluated the psychological effect of sports-betting advertising (such as embedded promotion) upon consumers considered 'higher-risk'. Students are often considered a higher-risk group given the numerous gambling-related risk factors associated with their lifestyle. Furthermore, students studying sports-related subjects may possess a bespoke vulnerability to sports-betting risk, due to contextual factors such as (mis)perceptions regarding advantages of sports-related knowledge. The pilot study investigated whether exposure to embedded gambling promotions during televised football, elicits urges to gamble amongst students, and whether the severity of reported gambling varies between those who study sports-related and non-sports subjects. An experimental methodology was employed. Sixty students from the University of South Wales were shown one of three videos: (a) televised football match highlights containing a high density of embedded promotion; (b) amateur football match highlights containing no gambling-related cues or embedded promotion; (c) a neutral control video containing footage of a live concert. Urge to gamble and risk of gambling problems were measured following video exposure. Sports-students reported significantly higher risk of gambling problem scores than non-sports students. Correspondingly, sport-students who were exposed to embedded gambling promotion reported significantly higher urges to gamble compared to all other conditions. This effect was also observed amongst sports-students who were exposed to an amateur match containing no gambling-related material. These findings provide evidence for the cue-induced urge effect of sports-embedded gambling promotion, amongst vulnerable audiences. Public health interventions and harm reduction strategies should look to counteract these pervasive forms of gambling advertising.

Risk Factors of Problem Gaming and Gambling in US Emerging Adult Non-Students: The Role of Loot Boxes, Microtransactions, and Risk-Taking

Video gaming and gambling have increasingly converged with one another (e.g., social casino games). For emerging adults (18-25 years old), who are already at an elevated risk for addictive disorders, this overlap in these activities may increase the likelihood of problematic involvement. At the moment, Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is being considered as a future medical diagnosis by the American Psychiatric Association. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the potential comorbidity between IGD and gambling disorder (GD) in emerging adults, as well as explore if problematic engagement in gaming and gambling may be explained by recent trends in video game microtransactions (e.g., loot boxes) and risk-taking behaviors. An online survey was completed by 300 emerging adult non-students (M_age = 22.79, 49% male) from across the United States. The results revealed that compared to non-gamers, problematic gamers were 6.45 times more likely to problem gamble and compared to non-gamblers, problem gamblers were 5.62 times more likely to problem game. Microtransactions were the major mechanism for the relationship between IGD and GD. Participants with higher severity levels of either disorder demonstrated a greater likelihood of purchasing microtransactions, in addition to displaying significantly less aversion towards several domains of risk-taking. These findings suggest that emerging adults with probable IGD or GD may share common risk factors and patterns of behavior that transdiagnostic treatment approaches may better serve than syndrome-specific models.

Adolescent Problem Gambling in Rural Ghana: Prevalence and Gender Differentiation

Problem gambling among young people is now a public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. However, the behaviour remains understudied, particularly, among rural-dwelling young people in countries within the subregion. We aimed to estimate the 12 months prevalence of problem gambling and to describe the overall and gender differences and commonalities in personal factors and social adversities associated with problem gambling among adolescents in rural Ghana. We conducted a cross-sectional survey involving a random sample of 1101 in-school adolescents aged 10–19 years in a rural district in Eastern Ghana; we used the DSM-IV-Multiple Response-Juvenile (DSM-IV-MR-J) questionnaire to assess problem gambling during the previous 12 months. Personal lifestyle and psychosocial variables were assessed using adopted items from the 2012 WHO–Global School-based Student Health Survey. Overall, three in 10 adolescents (3 in 10 females; 4 in 10 males) in rural Ghana reported problem gambling in the previous 12 months. Female adolescents who experienced problem gambling were more likely to report family-related social adversities, while adolescent male problem gambling was associated with school-related factors and interpersonal factors outside the family context. Regardless of gender, sexual abuse victimisation was associated with three times increase in the odds of experiencing problem gambling. Relative to the prevalence of gambling among adolescents in urban contexts in other countries within sub-Saharan Africa, the estimates of problem gambling among in-school rural adolescents in Ghana are higher. Although further studies are needed to understand the nuances of the behaviour, the evidence of this study underscores the need for general and targeted health promotion, intervention and prevention efforts to mitigate the family, school, and interpersonal social adversities associated with adolescent problem gambling in rural Ghana.

The prospective effect of purpose in life on gambling disorder and psychological flourishing among university students

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Gambling disorder (GD) is a mental disorder with a relatively higher prevalence in university students compared to adolescents and adults. Its reciprocity with mental being indicators, such as psychological flourishing, would be expected, but prior to this study had not yet been empirically examined. In addition, the predictive value of purpose in life (PIL) on university students' GD and psychological flourishing also remained unknown. This 1-year longitudinal study was the first to test the potential bidirectional relationships among PIL, self-reported GD symptoms, and psychological flourishing.

METHODS

In this study, a total of 283 university students (39.6% females; age = 18-27 years, M = 20.47, SD = 1.15) completed an anonymous questionnaire at both baseline and a year later in a follow-up study.

RESULTS

The results of our cross-lagged analysis did not show the hypothesized reciprocity between GD symptoms and psychological flourishing (P > 0.05). However, PIL significantly predicted fewer GD symptoms (β = -0.23, P < 0.001) and higher levels of psychological flourishing (β = 0.30, P < 0.001) in the follow-up study. Moreover, psychological flourishing predicted PIL a year later.

CONCLUSION

The findings demonstrate the potential efficacy of purpose/meaning oriented interventions in gambling prevention and in well-being promotion programs.

The prospective effect of purpose in life on gambling disorder and psychological flourishing among university students

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Gambling disorder (GD) is a mental disorder with a relatively higher prevalence in university students compared to adolescents and adults. Its reciprocity with mental being indicators, such as psychological flourishing, would be expected, but prior to this study had not yet been empirically examined. In addition, the predictive value of purpose in life (PIL) on university students' GD and psychological flourishing also remained unknown. This 1-year longitudinal study was the first to test the potential bidirectional relationships among PIL, self-reported GD symptoms, and psychological flourishing.

METHODS

In this study, a total of 283 university students (39.6% females; age = 18-27 years, M = 20.47, SD = 1.15) completed an anonymous questionnaire at both baseline and a year later in a follow-up study.

RESULTS

The results of our cross-lagged analysis did not show the hypothesized reciprocity between GD symptoms and psychological flourishing (P > 0.05). However, PIL significantly predicted fewer GD symptoms (β = -0.23, P < 0.001) and higher levels of psychological flourishing (β = 0.30, P < 0.001) in the follow-up study. Moreover, psychological flourishing predicted PIL a year later.

CONCLUSION

The findings demonstrate the potential efficacy of purpose/meaning oriented interventions in gambling prevention and in well-being promotion programs.

Emotion regulation interacts with gambling motives to predict problem gambling among emerging adults

BACKGROUND

It is presently estimated that as much as 10% of emerging adults are at risk for a gambling disorder. The consequences stemming from problematic gambling engagement include increased substance use, mental health disorders, suicidality, financial strain and legal issues. The present study explores whether deficits in specific dimensions of emotion regulation coupled with the motivation to escape negative emotions (i.e., coping motives) increases the likelihood of problem gambling severity, while controlling for variables such as gambling frequency, age, and sex.

METHODS

A sample of 919 emerging adult gamblers (M_age = 21.16 years-old, SD = 2.90, 48.1% female) completed an online survey including an assessment of problematic engagement in gambling over the past year, gambling motivations, and difficulties in emotion regulation. In total, 15.2% and 8.1% of this sample were at moderate or high risk for gambling disorder.

RESULTS

A series of six moderation analyses revealed that the total models accounted for approximately 37-38% of the variance in problem gambling and that coping motives interacted with less difficulties engaging in goal-directed behavior, increased lack of emotional clarity, and increased lack of emotional awareness to create a toxic mixture for problem gambling.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reveal the importance of considering both psychological factors such as emotion regulation and motivational factors in understanding who is at greatest risk for gambling problems.

Cold pressor pain and gambling disorder: implications for the opioid system

OBJECTIVE

Gambling disorder (GD) is a common, disabling condition that often is exacerbated by stressful life events. Under stress, the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis are activated. The question, therefore, arises as to whether an abnormal sympathetic response can be found in individuals with GD.

METHOD

Adult individuals with GD and no current co-occurring mental disorders were enrolled. Participants completed impulsivity and gambling-related questionnaires and underwent cold pressor evaluation. GD participants were compared with controls on measures of heart rate, blood pressure, and pain.

RESULTS

Fifteen people with GD and 18 controls completed the study. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that the GD group withdrew their hand from the painful stimulus more rapidly than controls (Wilcoxon chi-square = 3.87, p = 0.049), suggestive of lesser pain tolerance. Subjective pain ratings and cardiovascular measurements did not significantly differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Individuals with GD manifested a relative intolerance to pain on the cold pressor paradigm, even though they physiologically did not seem to experience greater pain. Given the role of the opioid system in pain processing, it would be valuable in future work to examine whether cold pressor measures can predict response to treatments in GD, including with opioid antagonists.

Variations in Gambling Disorder Symptomatology Across Sexual Identity Among College Student-Athletes

Gambling disorder has serious negative consequences for individual health and wellbeing, while being more prevalent among college student-athletes compared to the general college population. While previous research reports that sexual minority (i.e., gay, lesbian and bisexual) populations have higher rates of addictive behaviors such as alcohol and drug abuse, no previous research has explored risk for gambling disorder symptomatology by sexual identity status. The aim of the current study is to identify differences in the severity of gambling disorder symptomatology between sexual minority and heterosexual student-athletes. A stratified random sample of 19,299 National Collegiate Athletic Association college student-athletes participated in an anonymous survey assessing gambling disorder symptomatology. Student-athletes completed measures assessing their past 12-month problem gambling as measured by the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for gambling disorder and provided information on their sexual identity. Gay and bisexual men had disordered gambling scores 3.42 times higher than heterosexual men (p < .01), when adjusting for race/ethnicity, and years in college. Gay/lesbian and bisexual women reported disordered gambling scores 2.57 higher than heterosexual women (p < .01) when adjusting for race/ethnicity and years in college. This is the first study to compare the prevalence of gambling disorder symptomatology across sexual identity status. The higher number of gambling disorder symptoms observed among sexual minorities in the current study underlines the need for more research on this topic, and supports the exploration of intervention efforts designed to better address problem gambling among sexual minority communities.

Gambling symptoms, behaviors, and cognitive distortions in Japanese university students

BACKGROUND

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between symptoms of gambling problems, gambling behaviours, and cognitive distortions among a university student population in Japan ages 20 to 29 years. We aimed to address the gap in knowledge of gambling disorders and treatment for this population.

METHODS

Data were obtained from 1471 Japanese undergraduate students from 19 universities in Japan. Descriptive statistics and hierarchical multivariate regression analysis were used to investigate whether the factors of gambling cognitive distortions would have predictive effects on gambling disorder symptoms.

RESULTS

Results indicated that 5.1% of the participants are classifiable as probable disordered gamblers. The bias of the gambling type to pachinko and pachislot was unique to gamblers in Japan. Of the students sampled, 342 self-reported gambling symptoms via the South Oaks Gambling Screen. Hierarchical multivariate regression analysis indicated that one domain of gambling cognitive distortions was associated significantly with gambling symptoms among the 342 symptomatic participants: gambling expectancy (β = 0.19, p < .05). The multivariate model explained 47% of the variance in the gambling symptoms.

CONCLUSION

This study successfully contributed to the sparse research on university student gambling in Japan. Specifically, our results indicated a statistically significant relationship between gambling cognitive distortions and gambling disorder symptoms. These results can inform the development of preventive education and treatment for university students with gambling disorder in Japan. The report also describes needs for future research of university students with gambling disorder.

Emotion regulation in emerging adult gamblers and its mediating role with depressive symptomology

BACKGROUND

It is presently estimated that as much as 10% of emerging adults are at risk for a gambling disorder. The consequences stemming from problematic gambling engagement include increased substance use, mental health disorders, suicidality, financial strain and legal issues. The present study explores whether deficits in emotion regulation explain the association between problem gambling severity and depression.

METHODS

A sample of 820 emerging adult gamblers (M_age = 21.14 years-old, SD = 2.90, 50.9% female) completed an online survey including an assessment of problematic engagement in gambling over the past year, levels of anxious/depressive symptomology, and difficulties in emotion regulation. In total, 15.6% and 8.2% of this sample were at moderate or high risk for gambling disorder.

RESULTS

Results from a linear regression model revealed that difficulties with impulse control positively contributed to problem gambling scores and engagement in goal-directed behavior positively contributed to problem gambling scores, even after accounting for symptoms of depression. Moreover, results from a mediation model revealed that the association between problem gambling and depression was explained by participants' deficits in non-acceptance, goals, strategies, and clarity.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations include the use of self-report and cross-sectional data making it difficult to infer causality.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings add to our understanding of the mechanisms that appear to explain for the first time the affective consequences of problem gambling. Enhancing specific dimensions of emotion regulation will allow for tailored interventions among gamblers with depression, ultimately achieving better mental health outcomes.

Gambling Behaviour, Problem Gambling and Reasons for Gambling Among International Students in Tasmania, Australia

Individuals who undertake tertiary study outside their home countries ("international students") may be at increased risk of problem gambling behaviour. To inform this issue, we examined gambling behaviour, problem gambling behaviour and reasons for gambling among international students, primarily from Asian countries, attending university in Tasmania, Australia. Online surveys that included established measures of each outcome were completed by these students (n = 382) along with a comparison group of domestic students (n = 1013). While most forms of gambling assessed were less common among international students than among domestic students, rates of problem gambling were higher among international students (2.6%) than among domestic (1.4%) students. Further, whereas rates of problem gambling did not differ by sex among domestic students, problem gambling among international students was confined to males. Hence, rates of problem gambling were markedly elevated in this subgroup (5% of all male international students, 15% of male international students who reported any form of gambling in the past 12 months). International students were more likely than domestic students to report engaging in gambling as a means of regulating their internal states and for a challenge and these and other reasons for gambling were positively correlated with problem gambling behaviour. The findings support the need for population- and campus-based health promotion and early intervention programs targeting international students, male students in particular. Information concerning individuals' reasons for gambling might usefully be included in these programs.

Systematic Review of Preventive Programs for Reducing Problem Gambling Behaviors Among Young Adults

Young adulthood is a developmental period from late adolescence to one's late twenties or early thirties. Prevalence studies internationally have reported that individuals in this age group tend to have the highest rates of problem gambling. However, much of the prevention work designed to minimize the risk of problem and disordered gambling has been primarily focused on school settings and aimed at high school students. The objective of this study was to summarize the existing literature on the effectiveness of prevention programs aimed at reducing the prevalence of gambling problems in young adults. A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Six electronic academic databases were consulted in order to examine the studies conducted during the last 20 years. After removing duplicates and adhering to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, nine studies were included in this review. All studies targeted college or university students and followed a selective or indicated prevention strategy. A Personalized Normative Feedback approach was incorporated in most of the studies, which had generally good results in reducing and/or minimizing at-risk or problem gambling. The limited number of studies included in this review highlights the need to address scientific quality standards before proceeding with the design, implementation and widespread dissemination of these preventive programs as well as the need to ensure the program's efficacy prior to implementation.

Youth Gambling in Hong Kong: Prevalence, Psychosocial Correlates, and Prevention

PURPOSE

Youth gambling has long been considered a risk behavior and public health concern. Compared to Western literature, empirical studies on youth gambling in Hong Kong are scarce. The present review paper aims to provide an overall picture about the prevalence rates and psychosocial correlates of Hong Kong young people's gambling behaviors, as well as existing prevention/intervention measures.

METHODS

We searched literature in four major databases (PubMed, Sociological Abstracts, PsycINFO, and Web of Science), government documents and commissioned research reports. A total of 28 published papers on youth gambling in Hong Kong were identified and reviewed.

RESULTS

The results showed that a high percentage of Hong Kong youth involved in gambling activities and the prevalence rate of problem/pathological gambling was comparable to the global findings. Risk factors at individual, family and peer, and environmental levels were identified which provide useful information for the development of prevention strategies targeting youth gambling. While intervention and prevention services are available in Hong Kong, programmes specifically designed for young people are limited.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that there is a need to conduct longitudinal studies based a more representative sample of adolescents in Hong Kong with consistent measures and cut-off criterion.

Gambling and its clinical correlates in university students

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to examine the prevalence of gambling disorder (GD) in a university sample and its associated physical and mental health correlates.

METHODS

A 156-item anonymous online survey was distributed via random email generation to a sample of 9449 university students. Current use of alcohol and drugs, psychological and physical status and academic performance were assessed, along with questionnaire-based measures of impulsivity and compulsivity. Positive screens for GD were based upon individuals meeting DSM-5 criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 3421 participants (59.7% female) were included in the analysis. The overall prevalence of GD was 0.4%, while an additional 8.4% reported subsyndromal symptoms of GD. GD was significantly associated with past-year use of cocaine, heroin/opiate pain medications, sedatives, alcohol and tobacco. Those with GD were more likely to have generalized anxiety, PTSD and compulsive sexual behavior. Questionnaire-based measures revealed higher levels of both compulsivity and impulsivity associated with disordered gambling.

CONCLUSIONS

Some level of gambling symptomatology is common in young adults and is associated with alcohol and drug use, as well as impulsive and compulsive behaviors. Clinicians should be aware of the presentation of problematic gambling and screen for it in primary care and mental health settings.

Relationship between quality of life in young adults and impulsivity/compulsivity✰

Impulsive and compulsive symptoms often become apparent during young adulthood, which is a critical time for brain development and establishment of life goals. The aim of this study was to identify important associations with quality of life in young adults, across a range of clinical, questionnaire, and cognitive measures, focusing on impulsivity and compulsivity. Significant relationships between exploratory variables and quality of life were identified using Partial Least Squares (PLS). In the 479 participants (mean age 22.3 [SD 3.6] years), quality of life was best explained by a one-factor model (p < 0.001). Variables significantly associated with lower quality of life were: older age, greater alcohol consumption, and the presence of impulse control disorders (including gambling, compulsive buying, intermittent explosive disorder, compulsive sexual behavior, binge-eating, and skin picking), mood/anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and substance use disorder. Worse quality of life was also significantly explained by higher impulsiveness on the Barratt scale, and by relative impairments in extra-dimensional set-shifting and quality of decision-making. These findings suggest that impulse disorders merit more public health attention, especially problematic gambling. Performance on decision-making and set-shifting tasks also appears particularly important in understanding quality of life in young adults.

Problem gambling and psychological distress: a cross-national perspective on the mediating effect of consumer debt and debt problems among emerging adults

Background

Severe economic difficulties are common among younger generations who currently have an easy access to consumer credit and payday loans in many Western countries. These accessible yet expensive short-term loans may lead to more severe financial difficulties, including default and debt enforcement, both which are defined as debt problems within this study. This study hypothesized that consumer debt and debt problems mediate the relationship between problematic gambling and psychological distress. Excessive gambling can be funded with consumer debt, which in turn leads to the accumulation of financial stressors and, eventually, psychological distress.

Methods

Three studies were conducted to examine the hypotheses. Study 1 used a demographically balanced sample of Finnish participants aged 18 to 25 years (n = 985, 50.76% female). Study 2 used a sample collected from Finnish discussion forums and social networking sites, with participants ranging from 18 to 29 years of age (n = 205, 54.63% female). Study 3 used a demographically balanced sample of American youths aged 18 to 25 years (n = 883, 50.17% female). Analyses were based on generalized structural equation models examining the role of problem gambling, consumer debt, and debt problems (i.e., default and debt enforcement) on psychological distress. Additional mediation analysis was run with treating both instant loans and debt problems as mediators.

Results

All three studies showed that problem gambling was associated with consumer debt, which was further associated with debt problems. Both consumer debt (studies 1 and 2) and debt problems (study 3) were associated with psychological distress. Problem gambling was also directly associated with psychological distress in studies 1 and 3, but not in study 2. In Finland, consumer debt mediated the relationship between problem gambling and psychological distress (studies 1 and 2), while study 3 underlined the mediating role of debt problems in the USA, where consumer debt itself was not positively associated with psychological distress.

Conclusions

The results of the three studies indicate that problem gambling-related psychological distress is partly explained by consumer debt. Consumer credit and payday loans may provide resources for gamblers that enable them to keep up with the habit. This may eventually lead to debt problems and psychological distress. Cross-national differences exist, but in both Nordic and American models, similar mechanisms prevail. The results imply that limiting consumer debt among emerging adults could cushion the financial and psychological costs of problem gambling.

Doing It for the Money: The Relationship Between Gambling and Money Attitudes Among College Students

Today's college students have grown up with legalized gambling and access to a variety of gambling venues. Compared to the general adult population, rates of disordered gambling among college students are nearly double. Previous research suggests that the desire to win money is a strong motivator to gamble (Neighbors et al. in J Gambl Stud 18:361-370, 2002a); however, there is a dearth of literature on attitudes towards money in relation to gambling behavior. The current study evaluated the association between the four subscales of the Money Attitude Scale (Yamauchi and Templer in J Pers Assess 46:522-528, 1982) and four gambling outcomes (frequency, quantity, consequences and problem severity) in a sample of college students (ages 18-25; N = 2534) using hurdle negative binomial regression model analyses. Results suggest that college students who hold high Power-Prestige or Anxiety attitudes toward money were more likely to gamble and experience greater consequences related to their gambling. Distrust attitudes were negatively associated with gambling behaviors. Retention-Time attitudes were not significantly associated with gambling behaviors and may not be directly relevant to college students, given their often limited fiscal circumstances. These findings suggest that money attitudes may be potential targets for prevention programs in this population.

Associations between the HEXACO model of personality and gambling involvement, motivations to gamble, and gambling severity in young adult gamblers

Background and aims Substantial research has examined the role of personality in disordered gambling. The predominant model in this work has been the five-factor model (FFM) of personality. In this study, we examined the personality correlates of gambling engagement and gambling severity using a six-dimensional framework known as the HEXACO model of personality, which incorporates FFM characteristics with the addition of honesty-humility. In addition, the potential mediating role of gambling motives in the personality and gambling severity relationship was explored. Methods A sample of undergraduate gamblers (n = 183) and non-gamblers (n = 143) completed self-report measures of the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and the Gambling Motives Questionnaire-Financial, as well as self- and observer report forms of the HEXACO-100. Results Logistic regression results revealed that scores on honesty-humility were positively associated with non-gambling over gambling status. Furthermore, it was also found that honesty-humility, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were each uniquely associated with PGSI severity scores. The results of the mediational analyses suggest that each personality factor has different gambling motivational paths leading to PGSI gambling severity. Discussion and conclusions The findings of this study contribute to the literature on behavioral addictions by providing an increased understanding of individual personality factors associated with likelihood of gambling, overall gambling severity, and gambling motives. Ultimately, these findings suggest that the honesty-humility dimension may be a target for the prevention efforts against problematic gambling outcomes.