Internet gambling is a predictive factor of Internet addictive behavior

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Adolescent Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Adolescent Internet gambling is often associated with other addictive behaviors.
• Understanding the prevalence and impact of Internet gambling on adolescent development is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of Internet gambling among Cypriot adolescents.
• To examine the impact of Internet gambling on psychosocial development.
• To evaluate the association between Internet gambling and Internet addictive behavior.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 805 adolescents (9th and 10th grades) in Cyprus.
• Anonymous self-completed questionnaires included the Internet Addiction Test and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire.

Main Results:

• Approximately 34.9% of adolescents reported Internet gambling.
• Internet gamblers showed higher risks for addictive Internet use (4.3% addictive, 26.0% borderline) and psychosocial maladjustment.
• Internet gambling was the sole independent predictor of Internet addictive behavior (AOR: 5.66).

Conclusions:

• Internet gambling is significantly associated with addictive Internet use and emotional/behavioral problems in adolescents.
• Longitudinal studies are recommended to establish causality between Internet gambling and the development of addictive behaviors.