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Comparing problem gamblers with moderate-risk gamblers in a sample of university students.
- Source :
- Journal of Behavioral Addictions; Jun2015, Vol. 4 Issue 2, p53-59, 7p
- Publication Year :
- 2015
-
Abstract
- Background and aims: In an effort to provide further empirical evidence of meaningful differences, this study explores, in a student population, the distinctions in gambling behavioral patterns and specific associated problems of two levels of gambling severity by comparing problem gamblers (PG) and moderate-risk gamblers (MR) as defined by the score on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI; MR: 3-7; PG: 8 and more). Methods: The study sample included 2,139 undergraduate students (male = 800, mean age = 22.6) who completed the PGSI and questionnaires on associated problems. Results: Results show that problem gamblers engage massively and more diversely in gambling activities, more often and in a greater variety of locations, than moderate-risk gamblers. In addition, important differences have been observed between moderate-risk and problem gamblers in terms of expenditures and accumulated debt. In regards to the associated problems, compared to moderate-risk gamblers, problem gamblers had an increased reported psychological distress, daily smoking, and possible alcohol dependence. Discussion and Conclusions: The severity of gambling and associated problems found in problem gamblers is significantly different from moderate-risk gamblers, when examined in a student population, to reiterate caution against the amalgamation of these groups in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- GAMBLERS
GAMBLING
SERVICE learning
SMOKING
PSYCHOLOGICAL distress
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 20625871
- Volume :
- 4
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Behavioral Addictions
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 116641927
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.4.2015.002