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Experiential avoidance mediates the association between thought suppression and mindfulness with problem gambling
1Department of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia, ben.riley@health.sa.gov.au.
Journal of Gambling Studies
|October 31, 2012
Summary
Experiential avoidance (EA) predicts problem gambling, with thought suppression and mindfulness relationships mediated by EA. Treatments targeting EA may help problem gamblers.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Experiential avoidance (EA) is linked to various psychopathologies, including addictive disorders.
- Thought suppression is a common form of EA.
- The role of EA in problem gambling remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between EA, thought suppression, and mindfulness in problem gamblers.
- To determine if EA mediates the association between problem gambling and thought suppression/mindfulness.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- Involved 103 individuals seeking treatment for problem gambling.
- Assessed experiential avoidance, thought suppression, mindfulness, and problem gambling severity.
Main Results:
- EA was a significant predictor of problem gambling.
- Thought suppression showed a positive association with problem gambling.
- Mindfulness demonstrated a negative association with problem gambling.
- EA mediated the relationships between thought suppression/mindfulness and problem gambling.
Conclusions:
- EA plays a crucial role in problem gambling.
- Interventions aimed at reducing EA, such as acceptance and mindfulness-based therapies, may be beneficial for problem gambling treatment.
- Further research should explore EA-focused treatments for problem gambling.
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