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Metacognitions in problem gambling
Annika Lindberg1, Bruce A Fernie, Marcantonio M Spada
1National Gambling Clinic, Soho Centre for Health, London, UK.
Journal of Gambling Studies
|April 30, 2010
Summary
Metacognitions, or beliefs about thinking, significantly predict problem gambling behavior. These cognitive factors play a role in gambling disorder, independent of anxiety and depression.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Problem gambling is a complex issue with varying severity and significant societal costs.
- It is often associated with impaired control and negative consequences for individuals and their families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between metacognitions, anxiety, depression, and gambling behavior in individuals with problem gambling.
- To determine if metacognitive beliefs predict gambling behavior independently of anxiety and depression.
Main Methods:
- A sample of 91 individuals from gambling treatment services completed self-report questionnaires.
- Instruments included the Metacognitions Questionnaire 30 (MCQ-30), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and South Oaks Gambling Scale (SOGS).
Main Results:
- Anxiety, depression, and metacognitions were positively correlated with gambling consequences and behavior.
- Specific metacognitive beliefs (negative beliefs about thought uncontrollability/danger and need to control thoughts) predicted gambling behavior, even after accounting for anxiety and depression.
Conclusions:
- Metacognitions appear to play a significant role in the development and maintenance of problem gambling.
- Targeting metacognitive beliefs may be a valuable therapeutic strategy for gambling disorder.
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