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When passion leads to problematic outcomes: a look at gambling
Catherine F Ratelle1, Robert J Vallerand, Geneviève A Mageau
1Université Laval.
Journal of Gambling Studies
|April 3, 2004
Summary
Obsessive passion for gambling is linked to negative outcomes like anxiety and poor concentration, while harmonious passion shows no such associations. This highlights the detrimental effects of uncontrolled gambling passion.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Studies
Background:
- Passion can be categorized into harmonious and obsessive types, with differing psychological consequences.
- Harmonious passion involves autonomous engagement, while obsessive passion stems from internal compulsion.
- Understanding passion's role is crucial for explaining behaviors like gambling dependence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the differential impact of harmonious and obsessive passion on gambling-related cognitive and affective states.
- To examine the association between passion types and the severity of gambling problems and dependence.
Main Methods:
- Survey administered to 412 casino patrons assessing gambling passion and problem gambling consequences.
- Statistical analysis to determine the predictive relationship between passion types and negative outcomes.
Main Results:
- Obsessive passion for gambling significantly predicted decreased vitality and concentration.
- Obsessive passion was associated with increased rumination, anxiety, negative mood, guilt, and problem gambling severity.
- Harmonious passion did not show significant associations with these negative cognitive, affective, or behavioral outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Obsessive passion is a significant risk factor for negative consequences and problem gambling.
- Harmonious passion appears to be a protective factor, not linked to gambling-related distress.
- Findings support the motivational model of passion in understanding addictive behaviors like gambling.