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Low trait self-control in problem gamblers: evidence from self-report and behavioral measures.
Anne E Bergen1, Ian R Newby-Clark, Andrea Brown
1Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada. bergena@uoguelph.ca
Journal of Gambling Studies
|October 13, 2011
Summary
Problem gamblers exhibit lower self-control, a key factor in gambling behavior. This study confirms self-control deficits in problem gamblers using both self-report and behavioral measures.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Self-control is theorized as a primary factor in problem gambling.
- However, direct empirical investigation of self-control in gamblers remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To directly assess trait self-control in problem gamblers.
- To investigate the relationship between gambling risk levels and self-control capacity.
Main Methods:
- Study 1: Employed a self-report measure of self-control strength in 2,208 undergraduate students.
- Study 2: Utilized multiple behavioral measures of self-control strength in 296 university students and staff.
- Both studies utilized the strength model of self-control.
Main Results:
- Both self-report and behavioral measures indicated lower trait self-control in problem gamblers.
- Higher-risk gamblers demonstrated significant trait self-control deficits compared to lower-risk gamblers.
Conclusions:
- Problem gambling is associated with deficits in trait self-control.
- These findings support the role of self-control in the etiology of problem gambling.
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