541 research outputs found
AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE INDIVIDUAL AND CONTEXTUAL FACTORS IN ADOLESCENT GAMBLING
No full textYouth problem gambling has become an emerging public health issue in many countries. Disordered gambling is a multidimensional condition involving bio-psycho-social determinants including psychological processes, individual personality characteristics, social and familial influences, and environmental stressors. Studies based on this multidimensional assumption are still limited. For instance, some limitations of the current gambling literature are that: (i) there is relatively little research on modifiable adolescent behavioural and social environmental factors contributing to the development of problem gambling (Scholes-Balog, Hemphill, Dowling, & Toumbourou, 2014); (ii) few studies have investigated the mediation effects of environment on person-gambling relationship and vice versa (Ariyabuddhiphongs, 2013); (iii) although impulsivity has been consistently associated with gambling, the psychological mechanisms by which impulsivity might influence gambling disorder are not clearly understood (Kraplin et al., 2014). According to the conceptual framework for the development of gambling in youth (Barnes, Welte, Hoffman, & Dintcheff, 1999) and the conceptual framework of harmful gambling (Abbot et al., 2013), the current research project aimed to address this gap in the literature by focusing on the interaction between socio demographic-, individual/psychological-, socialization-, and contextual-factors in determining problem gambling in adolescents and young adults.
Study 1: The first study investigated the role of socioeconomic indicators of the welfare state and family practices in explaining probable problem gambling during adolescence. A multilevel model was used to evaluate the impact of the parenting (regulation, caring and monitoring/knowledge: individual-level) and country (GDP, expenditure on public health, family/children benefits: country-level) influences on adolescent possible problem gambling in a representative sample of students living in nine European countries. Data were drawn from the 2011 European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs (ESPAD) Study (n = 29952; 53% girls; 16-year-old students). Students who perceived more parental monitoring/knowledge and caring reported less involvement in possible problem gambling. Moreover, students who perceived stronger parental regulation were more likely to be possible problematic gamblers. At the country level, expenditure on public health was negatively associated with possible problem gambling.
Study 2: Among parenting practices influencing adolescent gambling in the first study, the second study focused on the protective effect that parents who are knowledgeable about youth activities could have in preventing or hindering youth gambling, with the aim of elucidating some of the pathways responsible for this association. Data were drawn from the ESPAD®Italia2012 (European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs) study which is based on a nationally representative sample (n = 19573; 54% girls; age, M = 17.11 years, SD = 1.43). In study 2, a path analysis was used to test an integrative model linking parental knowledge about their offspring's whereabouts with adolescent gambling, while evaluating the mediating effects of gambling-oriented attitudes (adolescents' own gambling approval; risk-perception of gambling; and descriptive norms on gambling shared with friends). Results showed that adolescents who perceived higher levels of parental knowledge were more likely to disapprove of gambling and had higher awareness of its harmfulness, which in turn were negatively related to gambling frequency. They were also less likely to perceive their friends as gamblers, which in turn was also negatively related to gambling frequency.
Studies 3-4: The third and fourth study investigated how gambling oriented attitudes (e.g., risk and benefits perception of gambling) and decision-making processes may explain gambling outcomes by studying the psychological mechanisms that underlie the influence of impulsivity on problem gambling. Although impulsivity traits have been linked to problem gambling, less is known about psychological mechanisms that explain the relationships between impulsivity traits and problem gambling. The purposes of Studies 3-4 were to examine a theoretical model linking impulsivity traits and gambling problems taking into account the role of gambling motives (study 3) and decision-making processes (study 4). Participants comprised students enrolled in public high schools or universities. In Study 3 (n = 594; 73% male; mean age = 19.92 years; SD = 2.91), young people who tend to act rashly in response to extremely positive emotions showed higher coping and enhancement motives, which in turn were positively related to gambling problems. In addition, sensation seekers were more likely to have higher levels of enhancement motives, which in turn were also positively associated with gambling problems. Specific associations between impulsivity traits, gambling motives and gambling problems were significant only in young people who perceived lower risks and higher benefits of gambling. In Study 4 (n = 986; 64% male; mean age = 19.51 years; SD = 2.30), young people who tend to act rashly in response to extreme moods were more likely to have lower levels of deliberative decision-making and higher preferences for immediate/small rewards, which in turn were positively related to gambling problems.
In conclusion, taken together, the findings of the four studies suggest that gambling frequency and gambling problems are the outcome of both personal and contextual characteristics (Lussier, Derevensky, Gupta, & Vitaro, 2014). Consistent with the conceptual framework for the development of gambling in youth (Barnes et al., 1999) and the conceptual framework of harmful gambling (Abbot et al., 2013), these results may be regarded as an original example of how individual characteristics and social context may interact to affect individual behaviour. These results might also have important implications for gambling prevention programs and future social welfare policies
The extent and distribution of gambling-related harms and the prevention paradox in a British population survey
No full textObjectives: To examine whether the "prevention paradox" applies to British individuals in relation to gambling- related harm.
Methods: Data were derived from 7,756 individuals participating in the British Gambling Prevalence Survey 2010, a comprehensive interview-based survey conducted in Great Britain between November 2009 and May 2010. Gambling-related harm was assessed using an adapted version of the DSM-IV Pathological Gambling criteria. The previous year’s prevalence of problem gamblers was examined using the Problem Gambling Severity Index. Gambling involvement was measured by gambling frequency and gambling participation (gambling volume as expressed by time and money spent gambling).
Results: The prevalence rates for past-year gambling harms were dependence harm (16.4%), social harm (2.2%), and chasing losses (7.9%). Gambling-related harms were distributed across low- to moderate-risk gamblers (and not limited to just problem gamblers) and were reported by the majority of gamblers who were non-high time and spend regular gamblers than high time and spend regular gamblers.
Conclusions: The prevention paradox is a promising way of examining gambling-related harm. This suggests that prevention of gambling might need to consider the population approach to minimizing gambling harm
Impact of Internet gambling on problem gambling among adolescents in Italy: Findings from a large-scale nationally representative survey
No full textAims: The primary aim of the present study was to understand the impact of online gambling on gambling problems in a large-scale nationally representative sample of Italian youth, and to identify and then further examine a subgroup of online gamblers who reported higher rates of gambling problems. Design: Data from the ESPAD®Italia2013 (European School Survey Project on Alcohol and Other Drugs) Study were used for analyses of adolescent Internet gambling. Setting: Self-administered questionnaires were completed by a representative sample of high school students, aged 15–19 years. Participants: A total of 14,778 adolescent students. Measurements: Respondents’ problem gambling severity; gambling behavior (participation in eight different gambling activities, the number of gambling occasions and the number of online gambling occasions, monthly gambling expenditure); Socio-demographics (e.g., family structure and financial status); and control variables were measured individually (i.e., use of the Internet for leisure activities and playing video games). Findings: Rates of problem gambling were five times higher among online gamblers than non-online gamblers. In addition, factors that increased the risk of becoming a problem online gambler included living with non-birth parents, having a higher perception of financial family status, being more involved with gambling, and the medium preferences of remote gamblers (e.g., Internet cafes, digital television, and video game console). Conclusions: The online gambling environment may pose significantly greater risk to vulnerable players. Family characteristics and contextual elements concerning youth Internet gambling (e.g., remote mediums) may play a key role in explaining problem online gambling among adolescents
“Which type of drinker are you?”:specific online training to promote a responsible alcohol use among college students.
No full textValidation of the 8-item Attitudes Towards Gambling Scale (ATGS-8) in a British population survey
No full textIntroduction. Public opinions concerning gambling are an important factor in shaping public policy. Little empirical attention has been given to assessing gambling attitudes within the general population. The aim of the present study is to validate the 8-item Attitudes Towards Gambling Scale (ATGS-8) in British individuals and to investigate associations of these attitudes with frequency of gambling and gambling problems. Methods. Data were derived from 7746 individuals participating in the British Gambling Prevalence Survey 2010, a comprehensive interview-based survey conducted in Great Britain between November 2009 and May 2010. Confirmatory factor analysis and separate regression analyses were applied. Results. The one-dimensional structure of the ATGS-8 was confirmed in the community sample and by gender. Furthermore, more positive attitudes towards gambling were positively related to frequency of gambling and gambling problems. Conclusions. The present study extends the previous evaluations of the scale by providing detailed evidence for the utility and usefulness of the ATGS-8 in a community sample and across gender. The ATGS-8 is a valid instrument to assess public opinion on gambling among the general population
Maintaining social support while social distancing: The longitudinal benefit of basic psychological needs for symptoms of anxiety during the COVID‐19 outbreak
No full textAlthough social distancing measures could be potentially perceived as thwarting conditions for basic psychological needs and thus causing psychological distress, off(on)line social support could compensate for this frustration by providing psychological proximity. Using self‐determination theory, in this study, we aimed (a) to evaluate the change of perception in need satisfaction over time (before and during home‐confinement and after a month of lockdown) and (b) to test the short‐term longitudinal association between off(on)line social support, basic needs, and anxiety during social distancing measures in response to the COVID‐19 outbreak. During the lockdown period decreed by Italy in March 2019 to confront the COVID‐19 emergency, 1344 participants completed an online questionnaire and 131 participants completed a follow‐up after 1 month. Results showed a decrease in need satisfaction during home confinement and a further reduction after a month of lockdown. Cross‐sectional path analysis showed that both online and offline social support were associated with higher need satisfaction, which, in turn, was related to a lower level of anxiety. Longitudinal paths also confirmed the association between need satisfaction and anxiety. Collectively, these results suggest that maintaining psychological proximity despite social distancing measures may provide important avenues for reducing negative outcomes during forced home confinement
Adolescent gambling and impulsivity: does employment during high school moderate the association?
No full textThe aim of the present study was to examine the potential moderating relationships between adolescent gambling and impulsivity traits (negative urgency, positive urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance and sensation seeking) with employment status. High-school students (N=400; 69% male; mean age=18.35 years; SD=1.16; past year gamblers) were surveyed to provide data on impulsivity and employment. Multiple linear regression analysis was applied to examine associations with gambling and related problems. Positive urgency was associated with stronger scores of both gambling frequency and problem gambling. Students in employment had substantially higher frequency of gambling and greater problem gambling. Moreover, the combination of having a job and low perseverance was associated with a particularly high frequency on gambling. These findings further support the importance of positive urgency and employment status in adolescent gambling. The study highlights unique moderating relationship between gambling and lack of perseverance with employment status. Youth with a low perseverance and having a job may have particular need for interventions to reduce gambling
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The role of avoidance coping and escape motives in problematic online gaming: a systematic literature review
No full textOver the past two decades, research into Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) has markedly increased due to worldwide spread of online videogames. The reasons and motivations for playing greatly contribute to its popularity. Escapism and avoidance coping strategies have been studied extensively and conceptualized as motives to play. A growing research base has demonstrated a strong association between these motives to play and negative gaming outcomes. Consequently, the aim of the present systematic review was to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of avoidance coping and escape motives in problematic online gaming. A systematic literature search was carried out using academic databases and a total of 26 empirical studies met the inclusion criteria. The results show that escapism and avoidance coping represent both a predictor of IGD and play a mediating role between many psychological factors (e.g., self-esteem, loneliness, self-concept, anxiety) and problematic online gaming. However, the review also highlights the paucity of longitudinal studies that hinder the determination of the causal direction of these associations. Despite this limitation, the evidence has important implication for developing more effective prevention programs and clinical interventions
Validation of the reasons for gambling questionnaire (RGQ) in a British population survey
No full textIntroduction. The aim of the study is to validate the five-dimensional structure of the Reasons for Gambling Questionnaire (RGQ) and to test the differences between different types of gamblers (i.e., offline gamblers who gambled in-person only vs.mixed-mode gamblers who gambled both online and offline) on the five dimensions of the RGQ. Methods. Data from the 2010 British Gambling Prevalence Survey (BGPS) were used. The analysed data comprised 5,677 individuals (52.7% female; mean age=47.64 years; SD=17.82). Confirmatory factor analysis and independent-samples t-tests were applied. Results. The five-dimensional structure of the RGQ wasconfirmed in the general sample and among gender and age subgroups. Furthermore, mixed-mode gamblers (MMGs) who gambled both online and offline had higher scores for enhancement, recreation and money motives than offline gamblers that gambled in-person only (IPGs). In addition among males, there was a significant difference in the scores for enhancement and recreation motives across MMGs and IPGs. Among past-year gamblers aged 16-34 years, MMGs had higher scores for enhancement, recreational and monetary motives than IPGs whilst among past-year gamblers aged 35-55years, MMGs had higher scores for enhancement and recreational motives than IPGs. Conclusions. The results are consistent with a previous test of the RGQ and the findings indicate that the RGQis a valid instrument to assess gambling motives among the general population
Changing to Impress: Testing a Mediation Model from Instagram Self-presentation to Cosmetic Surgery
No full textBackground This study examined the relationship between false self-presentation on Instagram and consideration of cosmetic surgery through the mediating role of body image control in photos (BICP), photo manipulation, and body shame. We predicted that false self-presentation on Instagram was indirectly associated with cosmetic surgery intentions through the aforementioned constructs. Methods A total of 504 young Italian adults (28.2% males, 18-30 years) completed an online survey. They completed a questionnaire containing the Self-presentation on Instagram Questionnaire, the Body Image Control in Photos Questionnaire-revised, the Photo Manipulation Scale, the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale, and the Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale. The pattern of associations between the constructs was analyzed via path analysis. Results The results show that false self-presentation on Instagram was associated with photo manipulation, both directly and indirectly, through BICP. Furthermore, photo manipulation was linked to body shame, but neither of them was associated with cosmetic surgery intentions. Finally, false self-presentation on Instagram was associated with the consideration of cosmetic surgery only through the mediation of BICP. Conclusion Findings indicate that self-presentation styles might affect Instagram photo behaviors and individuals' cosmetic surgery intentions, suggesting that surgeons should fully examine patients' motivations before providing them with services. Furthermore, intervention programs encouraging users to present a more authentic version of themselves online might reduce the risk of self-objectification and reduce the consideration of procedures aimed at modifying one's body for purely aesthetic reasons. Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266
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