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González-Cabrera J, Caba-Machado V, Díaz-López A, Jiménez-Murcia S, Mestre-Bach G, Machimbarrena JM. The Mediating Role of Problematic Use of Loot Boxes Between Internet Gaming Disorder and Online Gambling Disorder: Cross-Sectional Analytical Study. JMIR Serious Games 2024; 12:e57304. [PMID: 39302638 DOI: 10.2196/57304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The video game industry has introduced a new form of monetization through microtransactions. A controversial example has been the so-called "loot boxes" (LBs) as virtual objects, which are randomized and bought with legal money. In recent years, LBs have come to connect 2 distinct problem behaviors, namely internet gaming disorder (IGD) and online gambling disorder (OGD). Many association studies have been conducted on the 3 constructs, but few have delved into the relationship of problematic use of LBs (PU-LB) with IGD and OGD. Objective This study aims to explore the mediating role of the PU-LB between IGD and OGD. Methods This cross-sectional and analytical study used incidental sampling in 24 Spanish schools. The final sample consisted of 542 participants (male: n=523, 96.5%; age: range 11-30 y) who played video games, bought LBs, and had gambled online in the last 12 months. Participants then completed the Spanish versions of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short Form, Online Gambling Disorder Questionnaire, and PU-LB scale. Results IGD scores were found to be significantly associated with both PU-LB (r=0.473, P<.001) and OGD (r=0.209, P<.001). Moreover, PU-LB was significantly associated with OGD (r=0.351, P<.001). The structural equation model results indicated that IGD had no significant direct effect on OGD (P=.903). However, the indirect effect of IGD on OGD through PU-LB was significant (P<.001). Therefore, PU-LB fully mediated the relationship between IGD and OGD. Furthermore, these results were found in the subsamples of both minors (<18 y) and young adults (≥18 y). Conclusions It is suggested that there is a mediation effect of problematic LB use between internet gambling and online gambling problems in both minors and young adults. This has potential practical implications by providing more evidence on how LBs have become a hinge feature between 2 clinically relevant and independent issues. In this regard, adequate industry self-regulation is needed, and effective legislation for the protection of minors is necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín González-Cabrera
- Instituto de Transferencia e Investigación (ITEI), Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR), Logroño, Spain
| | - Vanessa Caba-Machado
- Instituto de Transferencia e Investigación (ITEI), Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR), Logroño, Spain
| | - Adoración Díaz-López
- Instituto de Transferencia e Investigación (ITEI), Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR), Logroño, Spain
| | - Susana Jiménez-Murcia
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Bellvitge University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
- Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gemma Mestre-Bach
- Instituto de Transferencia e Investigación (ITEI), Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR), Logroño, Spain
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Chang FC, Chuang WC, Rutherford R, Chen WY, Yang CY, Chiu CH, Chen PH, Miao NF, Chuang HY. Associations between Marketing Exposure, In-game Purchases, Problem Gaming, Simulated Gambling, and Psychological Distress among Adolescents. J Gambl Stud 2024:10.1007/s10899-024-10353-z. [PMID: 39196468 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-024-10353-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
This study examined the relationships between marketing exposure, in-game purchase, problem gaming, online simulated gambling game playing, and psychological distress. Data were obtained from a sample of 2,595 seventh-grade students from 30 middle schools in Taiwan. A self-administered questionnaire was conducted in 2020. The results indicated that 94% of adolescents engage in online gaming, with 38% making in-game purchases, and 9% playing online simulated gambling games. The multiple regression results showed that adolescents who are exposed to higher levels of gaming marketing, influenced by advertising effects, involved in in-game purchases, and have lower levels of active parental mediation were more likely to experience problem gaming. Adolescents who have increased exposure to gambling game marketing, are influenced by advertising effects, are involved in in-game purchases, and who are experiencing problem gaming were more likely to engage in online simulated gambling game playing and token purchasing. Involvement in in-game purchases, problem gaming, and playing online simulated gambling games were associated with higher levels of psychological distress and poor sleep quality. In conclusion, the results of this study link adolescents' exposure to marketing with their involvement in in-game purchases, problem gaming, and engaging in online simulated gambling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fong-Ching Chang
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan, 162, Ho-Ping E. Rd., Sec.1, Taipei, 10610, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Chun Chuang
- Department of Dentistry, Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ru Rutherford
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan, 162, Ho-Ping E. Rd., Sec.1, Taipei, 10610, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yu Chen
- Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan, 162, Ho-Ping E. Rd., Sec.1, Taipei, 10610, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Ying Yang
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Hui Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Information and Computer Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Hung Chen
- The Graduate Institute of Mass Communication, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Nae-Fang Miao
- Post-Baccalaureate Program in Nursing, College of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Yi Chuang
- Department of Public Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Quaglieri A, Pizzo A, Cricenti C, Tagliaferri G, Frisari FV, Burrai J, Mari E, Lausi G, Giannini AM, Zivi P. Gambling and virtual reality: unraveling the illusion of near-misses effect. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1322631. [PMID: 38362030 PMCID: PMC10867214 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1322631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Studying gambling behavior is a crucial element in reducing the impact of problem gambling. Nevertheless, most current research is carried out in controlled laboratory settings rather than real-life situations, which raises concerns about how applicable the findings are in the broader context. Virtual reality (VR) has proven to be a valuable tool and has been utilized in various experimental scenarios. A limited number of studies have employed VR to investigate gambling behaviors, and few have explored them in an older adolescent context. Methods This study examined the behavioral and physiological effects of gambling behavior, including problem gambling, gaming addiction, and risk-taking decision-making in a sample of 36 high-school students aged between 18 to 20 years using an ad-hoc constructed VR scenario designed to simulate a slot-machine platform. Results The behavioral results highlighted that participants reporting more problem gambling were sensitive to near-misses: i.e., they bet more after near-misses than after losses. This result may reflect the false belief that gamblers, after near-misses, are closer to winning. Physiological data showed that participants exhibited heart rate deceleration during the anticipation of the outcome, which has been suggested to represent a marker of feedback anticipation processing and hyposensitivity to losses. Discussion Overall, this study provides evidence for a new VR tool to assess gambling behaviors and new insights into gambling-related behavioral and physiological factors. Implications for the treatment of problem gambling are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alessandra Pizzo
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Valeria Frisari
- Department of Psychology of Development and Socialization Processes, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Burrai
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Mari
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Lausi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Pierpaolo Zivi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Salani D, Goldin D, Valdes B, DeSantis J. The Price of Gambling: Examining Gambling Disorders. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2023; 44:682-689. [PMID: 37585238 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2023.2232862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Gambling disorders are a serious public health problem. This manuscript will provide a comprehensive overview on this topic. Gambling disorder involves repeated patterns of gambling behaviors, that result in significant distress or impairment in a person's interpersonal relationships, employment, educational/career opportunities, and finances over a period of 12 months. Gambling is defined as an activity that involves risking something of value with the hopes of acquiring something of greater value. Comparable to substance use disorders, individuals with a gambling disorder may be unsuccessful in exercising control over their problematic behavior, engage in the behavior despite negative consequences, and have preoccupations/cravings to gamble. Gambling disorder has higher comorbidity rates of mental disorders including depression, anxiety, substance use, and personality disorders. Gamblers rarely seek treatment. Treatments must be tailored to the individual which may include psychological interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, gamblers anonymous, and psychopharmacological agents such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, mood stabilizers, and opioid antagonists to treat clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Salani
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Deana Goldin
- Nicole Wertheim College of Nursing & Health Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Beatriz Valdes
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Joseph DeSantis
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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Richard J, King SM. Annual Research Review: Emergence of problem gambling from childhood to emerging adulthood: a systematic review. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 64:645-688. [PMID: 36347261 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk for problematic gambling and associated high-risk behaviors is elevated during adolescence and emerging adulthood. Activities with gambling-like features and novel forms of gambling may place youth at an increased risk for problem gambling. AIM AND METHOD The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the association between both activities with gambling-like features and novel gambling activities and problem gambling among youth while examining the role of psychopathology and cognitive processes. Six databases (PsychINFO, MEDLINE, PubMed, Social Work Abstracts, Technology Collection, and Scopus) were searched in November 2021 for peer-reviewed articles investigating the association between the aforementioned variables among youth up to the age of 25 years. Risk of bias was assessed using the Observational Study Quality Evaluation. FINDINGS Forty-five articles were included in the review. Positive associations were observed between engagement in activities with gambling-like features (e.g., video games, social casino games, loot boxes) and problem gambling. Increased involvement with novel forms of gambling (e.g., online sports betting, fantasy sports, and esports betting) were also associated with a greater risk for problematic gambling. Males reported higher rates of engagement in these activities and a greater risk of problem gambling than females. Impulsivity, risk taking, cognitive distortions, and specific emotional vulnerabilities were associated with an increased risk of problem gambling. CONCLUSIONS Despite the need for additional longitudinal research controlling for relevant confounders, these findings underline how engagement in activities with gambling-like features are relevant in the developmental trajectory toward problem gambling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérémie Richard
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, International Centre for Youth Gambling Problems and High-Risk Behaviors, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Serena M King
- Department of Psychology, Hamline University, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
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Truckenbrod LM, Cooper EM, Orsini CA. Cognitive mechanisms underlying decision making involving risk of explicit punishment in male and female rats. COGNITIVE, AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 23:248-275. [PMID: 36539558 PMCID: PMC10065932 DOI: 10.3758/s13415-022-01052-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Individuals engage in the process of risk-based decision making on a daily basis to navigate various aspects of life. There are, however, individual differences in this form of decision making, with some individuals exhibiting preference for riskier choices (risk taking) and others exhibiting preference for safer choices (risk aversion). Recent work has shown that extremes in risk taking (e.g., excessive risk taking or risk aversion) are not only cognitive features of neuropsychiatric diseases, but may in fact predispose individuals to the development of such diseases. To better understand individual differences in risk taking, and thus the mechanisms by which they confer disease vulnerability, the current study investigated the cognitive contributions to risk taking in both males and females. Rats were first behaviorally characterized in a decision-making task involving risk of footshock punishment and then tested on a battery of cognitive behavioral assays. Individual variability in risk taking was compared with performance on these tasks. Consistent with prior work, females were more risk averse than males. With the exception of the Set-shifting Task, there were no sex differences in performance on other cognitive assays. There were, however, sex-dependent associations between risk taking and specific cognitive measures. Greater risk taking was associated with better cognitive flexibility in males whereas greater risk aversion was associated with better working memory in females. Collectively, these findings reveal that distinct cognitive mechanisms are associated with risk taking in males and females, which may account for sex differences in this form of decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah M Truckenbrod
- Institute for Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Emily M Cooper
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Caitlin A Orsini
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The University of Texas at Austin, 1601B Trinity Street, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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Chung S, Lee HK. Public Health Approach to Problems Related to Excessive and Addictive Use of the Internet and Digital Media. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2023; 10:69-76. [PMID: 36589709 PMCID: PMC9795422 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-022-00458-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Advances in digital technology and media have provided convenience and advantages in all areas of our daily lives. However, there is a risk of excessive and addictive use, which increases the risk of addiction as a disease and other related mental and physical problems. This article reviews the public health approach to problems related to excessive and addictive use of the Internet and digital media. Recent Findings The public health model views addiction as the result of interactions among individuals, digital media, and the environment; therefore, interventions should aim to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors in these three areas. This includes developing and providing evidence-based services according to each individual's problem type and severity. Regarding interventions for digital media and the environment, restricting accessibility and regulating content may be necessary. This calls for an integrative, comprehensive, and continuous intervention strategy, and to achieve such a framework, we need to establish an information system to monitor the magnitude and patterns of related problems. Summary This review suggests a surveillance system that provides a list of evidence-based policies from the public health perspective. Suggestions for an advanced international information, policy, and monitoring system are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulki Chung
- Department of Social Welfare, Chung-Ang University, 84 Heuksuk-ro, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul, 06974 Korea
| | - Hae Kook Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholid University of Korea, 222 Banpo-daero, Seocho-Gu, Seoul, 06591 South Korea
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King A, Wong-Padoongpatt G. Do Gamers Play for Money? A Moderated Mediation of Gaming Motives, Relative Deprivation, and Upward Mobility. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15384. [PMID: 36430102 PMCID: PMC9690839 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Past research indicates strong monetary motives for gambling often elevate an individual's risk of experiencing symptoms of gambling disorder, with personal relative deprivation (PRD) and upward mobility (UM) identified as key factors in this relationship. Nevertheless, few studies have examined how financial motives, PRD, and UM might interact for people playing modern video games-many of which offer financial incentives to encourage participation. Due to the overlap between gambling and (video) gaming, evidence suggests disordered gambling and disordered gaming might also share similarities. Therefore, the present study explored whether PRD influences associations between playing video games for financial motives, symptoms of Internet gaming disorder (IGD), and UM in two samples: 797 college students (Study 1) and 179 adult gamers over 25 years old (Study 2). Results from Study 1 revealed more PRD predicted more IGD symptoms, with higher financial gaming motives mediating the relationship. In Study 2, PRD also predicted IGD severity, but only coping motives appeared to mediate the positive association between PRD and IGD severity. In both samples, perceived UM inversely moderated the effect of PRD on one's financial or coping gaming motives. These findings suggest financial motives for video games might lead to more problematic forms of participation for younger adults and negative perceptions of PRD and UM might interact, similar to gambling, to elevate a gamer's vulnerability for IGD.
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No effect of short term exposure to gambling like reward systems on post game risk taking. Sci Rep 2022; 12:16751. [PMID: 36202911 PMCID: PMC9537418 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21222-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Is engaging with gambling-like video game rewards a risk factor for future gambling? Despite speculation, there are no direct experimental tests of this “gateway hypothesis”. We test a mechanism that might support this pathway: the effects of engaging with gambling-like reward mechanisms on risk-taking. We tested the hypothesis that players exposed to gambling-like rewards (i.e., randomised rewards delivered via a loot box) would show increased risk-taking compared to players in fixed and no reward control conditions. 153 participants (Mage = 25) completed twenty minutes of gameplay—including exposure to one of the three reward conditions—before completing a gamified, online version of the Balloon Analogue Risk Task (BART). Self-reports of gambling and loot box engagement were collected via the Problem Gambling Severity Index, and Risky Loot-Box Index. Bayesian t-tests comparing BART scores across reward conditions provided moderate to strong evidence for a null effect of condition on risk-taking (BF = 4.05–10.64). Null effects were not moderated by players’ problem gambling symptomatology. A Spearman correlation between past loot box engagement and self-reported gambling severity (rs = 0.35) aligned with existing literature. Our data speak against a “gateway” hypothesis, but add support to the notion that problem gambling symptoms might make players vulnerable to overspending on loot boxes.
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The relationship between videogame micro-transactions and problem gaming and gambling: A systematic review. COMPUTERS IN HUMAN BEHAVIOR 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Kim S, Champion JD. Qualitative Descriptive Study of Illegal Behaviors among Those with Gambling Disorder in South Korea: Their Efforts for Recovery and Role of Mental Health Care Providers. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2022; 43:265-271. [PMID: 34666591 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2021.1986760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of Gambling Disorder among Koreans suggests that it is relatively higher than other countries. This study explored gambling-related crimes and related mental health care needs of those with Gambling Disorder on a case-by-case basis. Participants (n = 6) included men attending Gamblers Anonymous in South Korea with gambling debts and histories of illegal acts. Thematic analysis of qualitative interviews identified themes: (1) Meaning of Gambling Disorder in life, (2) Initiation of illegal acts stemming from Gambling Disorder, and (3) Life after addiction, efforts for recovery, and mental health care needs. Gambling Disorder destroyed lives and created criminal victims thereby threatening familial and community health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soojeong Kim
- School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
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12
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Raneri PC, Montag C, Rozgonjuk D, Satel J, Pontes HM. The role of microtransactions in Internet Gaming Disorder and Gambling Disorder: A preregistered systematic review. Addict Behav Rep 2022; 15:100415. [PMID: 35434248 PMCID: PMC9006671 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2022.100415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
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Tang ACY, Lee PH, Lam SC, Siu SCN, Ye CJ, Lee RLT. Prediction of problem gambling by demographics, gaming behavior and psychological correlates among gacha gamers: A cross-sectional online survey in Chinese young adults. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:940281. [PMID: 35990074 PMCID: PMC9389446 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.940281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to explore the association of problem gambling with demographics, psychological distress, and gaming behavior in young adult gacha gamers in Hong Kong. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cross-sectional data was collected in the first and fifth waves of COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong online. Participants who aged 18-25 years and had been playing gacha games over the past 12 months were recruited. Stepwise multiple regression was used to explore the association among risk of problem gambling, gaming behavior, participation in gaming activities and psychological distress. A two-sided p-value <0.05 was considered as statistical significance. RESULTS Three hundred and thirty-seven completed questionnaires were received with no missing data. 34.7% (n = 117) of the participants had non/low-risk of problem gambling. About 40% (n = 136) of them had moderate-risk and the remaining 25% (n = 84) were at high risk of problem gambling. A higher proportion of female participants (78.6%) were found in high-risk group as compared to 39.7% and 55.6% only in the non/low-risk and moderate-risk groups, respectively. The regression model (R 2 = 0.513, F = 71.895, p < 0.001) showed that 51.3% of the variance of the total problem gambling score could be explained by stress, anxiety, monthly expenses on gacha purchases, number of motives for gacha purchase and number of gambling activities engaged. CONCLUSION The present study provides empirical evidence to support the association between problem gambling and microtransaction especially for gacha which is the most popular type of video game microtransaction in Asia. The established regression model suggests that gacha gamers with higher risk of problem gambling tend to have greater stress, higher anxiety level, spend more on gacha purchase, have more motives for gacha purchases and engage in more gambling activities. In contrast to the extant literature, higher proportion of female participants in high-risk group indicates that female gacha gamers are also at very high risk of becoming problem gamblers.
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14
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Ayala-Rojas RE, Granero R, Mora-Maltas B, Rivas S, Fernández-Aranda F, Gómez-Peña M, Moragas L, Baenas I, Solé-Morata N, Menchón JM, Jiménez-Murcia S. Factors related to the dual condition of gambling and gaming disorders: A path analysis model. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 145:148-158. [PMID: 34923355 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Gaming disorder has experienced rapid growth in the last decade among youth and adult populations, in parallel to the expansion of the videogame industry. The objective of this study was to explore the underlying process to explain the dual diagnosis of gaming with gambling disorder. METHODS The sample included n = 117 patients who met clinical criteria for gaming disorder, recruited from a tertiary care unit specialized in the treatment of behavioral addictions. Path analysis (implemented through structural equation modeling) assessed the direct and mediational mechanisms between the dual condition of gaming + gambling disorder and sociodemographic variables and personality traits. RESULTS The comorbid gaming + gambling disorder was met for 14.5% of the participants (additionally, 6.0% of the sample also met criteria for problematic gambling). The dual diagnosis was directly related to an older age at onset of the addiction problems, a higher level of the novelty seeking trait and being in active work. Employment status also mediated the relationship between persistence levels and chronological age. Greater psychopathological distress was related to females, higher levels of harm avoidance and persistence and lower levels of self-directedness. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study provide empirical evidence for the specific factors that increase the likelihood of the dual gaming + gambling disorder. Clinical settings should consider these features to improve gaming diagnosis and treatment. Preventive programs should also be focused on the most vulnerable groups to prevent onset and progression of this comorbid condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Elena Ayala-Rojas
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
| | - Roser Granero
- Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Psychobiology and Methodology, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Bernat Mora-Maltas
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
| | - Sandra Rivas
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
| | - Fernando Fernández-Aranda
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain; Psychiatry and Mental Health Group, Neuroscience Program, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona - UB, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
| | - Mónica Gómez-Peña
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
| | - Laura Moragas
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
| | - Isabel Baenas
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Neus Solé-Morata
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
| | - José M Menchón
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Psychiatry and Mental Health Group, Neuroscience Program, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona - UB, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Ciber Salut Mental (CIBERSam), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Susana Jiménez-Murcia
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Ciber Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain; Psychiatry and Mental Health Group, Neuroscience Program, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona - UB, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain.
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