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The age-related positivity effect in electronic gambling
Phoebe E Bailey1, Craig J Gonsalvez1, Michelle Maiuolo1
1a School of Social Sciences and Psychology , Western Sydney University , Sydney , Australia.
Experimental Aging Research
|January 6, 2018
Summary
Older adults show a positivity effect when playing electronic gambling machines (EGMs), responding more to wins than losses. This suggests a focus on potential financial gain rather than generalized excitement.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Older adults are increasingly engaging with electronic gambling machines (EGMs).
- The age-related positivity effect, a tendency to focus on positive information, may influence EGM play.
- Cognitive mechanisms underlying this effect in gambling contexts are underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the age-related positivity effect impacts responses to EGM outcomes (wins/losses).
- To explore cognitive factors associated with the positivity effect in older gamblers.
- To compare physiological and self-reported responses between younger and older adults during simulated EGM play.
Main Methods:
- Recorded skin conductance response (SCR) in young and older adults during simulated EGM play.
- Participants encountered wins, losses, and disguised losses (fake wins).
- Assessed enjoyment, excitement, win/loss recall, and cognitive function.
Main Results:
- Both age groups showed higher SCRs to wins than losses.
- Older adults, unlike younger adults, exhibited a stronger response to wins over losses in a high-stakes scenario.
- Older adults demonstrated superior recall accuracy for wins and losses compared to younger adults.
Conclusions:
- While both age groups exhibit similar autonomic arousal during EGM play, older adults' responses are more attuned to potential financial gains.
- The findings suggest older adults prioritize positive outcomes, aligning with the age-related positivity effect.
- Cognitive differences, particularly in memory recall, may contribute to age-related variations in gambling behavior.
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