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Cognitive distortions in heavy gambling.
T Toneatto1, T Blitz-Miller, K Calderwood
1Clinical Research Department, Addiction Research Foundation, 33 Russell St., Toronto, Canada M5S 2S1. ttoneatt@arf.org
Journal of Gambling Studies
|August 13, 2003
Summary
Regular gamblers employ various cognitive strategies, like illusory control and predictive control, to influence gambling outcomes. These mental tactics are more common in skill-based games and among those with a family history of gambling.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Gambling behavior is complex, often involving cognitive distortions.
- Understanding gamblers' self-perceived strategies is crucial for psychopathology research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the specific strategies and cognitive distortions gamblers use to influence or predict outcomes.
- To investigate the relationship between these strategies and game type or family history.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews with 38 non-treatment-seeking regular and heavy gamblers.
- Analysis of self-described strategies related to control, reframing, and prediction.
- Correlation with South Oaks Gambling Screen scores and family history.
Main Results:
- Gamblers utilize active/passive illusory control, interpretive control, and probability/predictive control.
- Cognitive distortions were more prevalent in skill-based games (cards, sports) versus non-skill games (lotteries).
- A positive family history of gambling was associated with more cognitive distortions.
Conclusions:
- Gamblers' beliefs about controlling outcomes are multifaceted, involving various cognitive distortions.
- The type of game played and family history significantly influence the manifestation of these cognitive strategies.
- Findings contribute to understanding the cognitive psychopathology of gambling disorder.