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Wu R, Clark L. Impulse and reason? Justifications in problem gambling. Addict Behav 2024; 157:108072. [PMID: 38851143 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
People often use justifications to make desirable choices, but little is known about these justificatory thoughts in gambling. We conducted an exploratory Study 1 (n = 101) and a confirmatory Study 2 (n = 154) using online surveys, recruiting gamblers with prior and current experience of trying to reduce their gambling. Using justifications recognized in the domains of eating and consumer behavior (e.g., prior use of effort, feelings of achievement), we examined whether justifications were associated with problem gambling severity, and whether they explained additional variance above trait impulsivity and cognitive distortions. In both studies, justifications were positively associated with problem gambling severity, after accounting for trait impulsivity and cognitive distortions. Additionally, justifications were positively correlated with trait urgency and cognitive distortions, indicating that such thinking may not be antithetical to impulsivity. These data provide proof-of-principle evidence that justificatory thinking occurs in the context of gambling, is related to problem gambling severity, and may therefore represent a neglected aspect of gambling-related cognitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Wu
- Centre for Gambling Research, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Luke Clark
- Centre for Gambling Research, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Canada; Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Canada
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2
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Bonder T, Erev I, Ludvig EA, Roth Y. The common origin of both oversimplified and overly complex decision rules. JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL DECISION MAKING 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/bdm.2321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Taly Bonder
- Data and Decision Sciences Technion‐Israel Institute of Technology Haifa Israel
| | - Ido Erev
- Data and Decision Sciences Technion‐Israel Institute of Technology Haifa Israel
| | | | - Yefim Roth
- Human Services University of Haifa Haifa Israel
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Delfabbro P, King D, Parke J. The complex nature of human operant gambling behaviour involving slot games: Structural characteristics, verbal rules and motivation. Addict Behav 2023; 137:107540. [PMID: 36371859 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Gambling behaviour is likely to be strongly influenced by operant learning principles. Most forms of gambling, and most notably slot machine play, follow a random ratio (RR) schedule of reinforcement that should lead to rapid and extinction-resistant behaviour. In this paper we highlight the caveats that need to be applied when generalising animal models of learning to human behaviour. Studies need to be cognisant of the role of verbal rules and cognitive appraisals of contingency; the ability for participants to self-modify important elements of reward schedules; potential differences between concurrent and longitudinal schedule preferences; and, the role of important human motivations in financial decision-making. In particular, we believe that operant approaches to gambling may need to incorporate a greater focus on FOMO (or the fear of missing out) as a motivational construct that may explain some of the observed patterns of behaviour, including riskier behaviours, on slot games. The implications of these observations for future research and harm minimisation are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Delfabbro
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Daniel King
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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Brooks GA, Clark L. Gambling along the schizotypal spectrum: The associations between schizotypal personality, gambling-related cognitions, luck, and problem gambling. J Behav Addict 2022; 11. [PMID: 35594166 PMCID: PMC9295216 DOI: 10.1556/2006.2022.00021] [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: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Schizotypal 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. Methods Analyses 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). Results Small-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. Conclusions This 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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel A. Brooks
- Centre for Gambling Research, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Luke Clark
- Centre for Gambling Research, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Clark L, Wohl MJA. Langer's illusion of control and the cognitive model of disordered gambling. Addiction 2022; 117:1146-1151. [PMID: 34318962 PMCID: PMC9292938 DOI: 10.1111/add.15649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Clark
- Centre for Gambling Research at UBC, Department of PsychologyUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada,Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain HealthUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBritish ColumbiaCanada
| | - Michael J. A. Wohl
- Department of PsychologyCarleton UniversityOttawaOntarioCanada,Mental Health and Well‐being Research and Training HubCarleton UniversityOttawaOntarioCanada
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6
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Turner NE, Maas MVD, Shi J, Liu E, Zangeneh M, Cool S, Molah E, Marshall TE. Knowledge of random events and chance in people with gambling problems: an item analysis. INTERNATIONAL GAMBLING STUDIES 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2021.2014930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nigel E. Turner
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Jing Shi
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eleanor Liu
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Masood Zangeneh
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Cool
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Peel Board of Education, Peel, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ernest Molah
- Liberal Arts and Sciences, Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tara Elton Marshall
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Williams BM, Browne M, Rockloff M, Stuart G, Smith BP. Protective Action and Risky Beliefs: The Relationship Between Religion and Gambling Fallacies. J Gambl Stud 2021; 38:253-263. [PMID: 33914236 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-021-10028-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A number of studies have explored the relationship between religious beliefs and gambling (including gambling fallacies and gambling harm) but report seemingly contradictory findings. While some studies have found religious belief to be positively associated with gambling fallacies, others have found it to be a protective factor from gambling harms. One explanation for these differing effects is that gambling fallacies and metaphysical religious belief share properties of supernatural and magical thinking. Nevertheless, social support and moral strictures associated with religion might help protect against an unhealthy engagement with gambling. Using a multidimensional measure of religiosity, we hypothesised that only the supernatural facet of religious adherence would present a risk for gambling fallacies. We analysed two archival data sources collected in Canada (Quinte Longitudinal Study: N = 4121, Mage = 46, SDage = 14, Female = 54%; Leisure, Lifestyle and Lifecycle Project: N = 1372, Mage = 37, SDage = 17, Female = 56%). Using the Rohrbaugh-Jessor Religiosity Scale, we confirmed that the supernatural theistic domain of religion was a positive risk factor for gambling fallacies. However, participation in ritual (behavioural) aspects, such as churchgoing, was negatively associated with risk, and no effect was observed for the consequential (moral) domain. We conclude that multidimensional aspects in religious measures may account for conflicting prior findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenton M Williams
- School of Medical, Health and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive, Branyan, QLD, 4670, Australia.
| | - Matthew Browne
- School of Medical, Health and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive, Branyan, QLD, 4670, Australia
| | - Matthew Rockloff
- School of Medical, Health and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive, Branyan, QLD, 4670, Australia
| | - George Stuart
- School of Medical, Health and Applied Sciences, CQUniversity, University Drive, Branyan, QLD, 4670, Australia
| | - Bradley P Smith
- Appleton Institute, CQUniversity, 44 Greenhill Rd, Wayville, Adelaide, SA, 5034, Australia
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Chee TT, Lui YS. Pathological Gambling, Gambling Disorder, and Problem Gambling Among the Chinese Ethnic Population Living in Western Countries: Is Culture a Sufficient Explanation for the Reported Excess Rates? J Gambl Stud 2021; 37:927-945. [PMID: 33521910 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-021-10012-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A significant gap remains in the understanding of the psychosocial and cultural factors and processes in the development and maintenance of pathological gambling, gambling disorder, and problem gambling among the Chinese ethnic population living in the Western countries. This narrative reviews papers on gambling and pathological gambling among the Chinese ethnic group in Western countries to provide a deeper understanding of the cultural and psychosocial factors and processes that lead to the development and maintenance of pathological gambling, gambling disorder, and problem gambling. The factors leading to development of problem gambling, which also carry distinctive cultural differences, include acculturation process among Chinese migrants to western countries, their social learning patterns in gambling, the patterns and motivation seen in Chinese gamblers, their gambling-related cognitive bias and distortions as well as barriers to their help-seeking behaviours. The collectivistic oriental culture may explain for intrafamilial development of gambling behaviour and this strong male authority in the traditional Chinese family set-up also reinforces this influence. The Chinese culture is associated with increased risk-taking behaviour. Superstitious thinking is more prevalent in the Chinese culture and this can be manifested in individuals' perceptions of fate and luck. Future research projects studying pathological gambling and ethnic minorities in the UK should seek greater understanding and improved management of this condition in a small but highly relevant population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tji Tjian Chee
- Department of Psychological Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Yit Shiang Lui
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, 1E Kent Ridge Road, Level 9 NUHS Tower Block, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
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Pickering D, Blaszczynski A. Should I Stay or Should I Go? A Comparative Exploratory Analysis of Individuals Electing to Continue or Discontinue Self-Exclusion from Land-Based Gambling Venues. Int J Ment Health Addict 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-020-00435-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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10
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Wu Y, Kennedy D, Goshko CB, Clark L. "Should've known better": Counterfactual processing in disordered gambling. Addict Behav 2021; 112:106622. [PMID: 32905866 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2020.106622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Counterfactual thinking is a component of human decision-making that entails "if only" thinking about unselected choices and outcomes. It is associated with strong emotional responses of regret (when the obtained outcome is inferior to the counterfactual) and relief (vice versa). Counterfactual thinking may play a role in various cognitive phenomena in disordered gambling, such as the effects of near-misses. This study compared individuals with gambling disorder (n = 46) and healthy controls (n = 25) on a behavioural economic choice task that entailed choosing between two gambles, designed to measure counterfactual thinking. Participants provided affect ratings following both the obtained and the non-obtained outcomes. Choices were analyzed using a computational model that derived parameters reflecting sensitivity to expected value, risk variance, and anticipated regret. In the computational choice model, the group with gambling disorder showed increased sensitivity to anticipated regret, reduced sensitivity to expected value, and increased preference for high risk-variance gambles. On the affect ratings, the group with gambling disorder displayed blunted emotional sensitivity to obtained and counterfactual outcomes. Effect sizes of the group differences were modest. Participants with gambling disorder show wide-ranging alterations in decision-making processes and emotional reactivity to choice outcomes. Altered sensitivity to anticipatory regret in gambling disorder may contribute to the development of gambling-related cognitive distortions, and the influences of gambling marketing.
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Skill-Based Electronic Gaming Machines: a Review of Product Structures, Risks of Harm, and Policy Issues. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-020-00309-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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