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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
13:04
Measuring the Subjective Value of Risky and Ambiguous Options using Experimental Economics and Functional MRI Methods
Published on: September 19, 2012
Gambling and risk-taking behavior among university students
J Powell1, K Hardoon, J L Derevensky
1McGill University, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. gpowel@PO-Box.McGill.CA
Substance Use & Misuse
|June 8, 1999
Summary
Pathological gamblers exhibit higher risk-taking and sensation-seeking behaviors than non-problem gamblers. The Risk-Taking Questionnaire (RTQ) uniquely identified pathological gamblers from those with some gambling problems.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Studies
Background:
- Problem gambling is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the psychological underpinnings of gambling behavior is crucial for effective intervention.
- Risk-taking and sensation-seeking are hypothesized factors influencing gambling involvement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if risk-taking and sensation-seeking differentiate pathological gamblers from problem gamblers.
- To examine the correlation between risk-taking, sensation-seeking, and gambling behavior in a university population.
- To assess the utility of specific psychometric measures in identifying different levels of gambling involvement.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Risk-Taking Questionnaire (RTQ), Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking (AISS), and Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS).
- Compared scores across groups: probable/pathological gamblers, problem gamblers, and non-problem gamblers.
- Analyzed gender differences in risk-taking and sensation-seeking among gamblers.
Main Results:
- Probable/pathological gamblers scored highest on RTQ, AISS, and SSS compared to non-problem gamblers.
- RTQ was the sole measure distinguishing pathological gamblers from those with some gambling problems.
- Females with gambling problems reported higher risk-taking and sensation-seeking than males without gambling problems.
Conclusions:
- Risk-taking and sensation-seeking are significant discriminators of gambling severity.
- The RTQ shows promise in clinical settings for identifying pathological gambling.
- Findings support the role of personality traits in excessive gambling behavior and inform treatment strategies.
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