The Metacognitions about Gambling Questionnaire: Development and psychometric properties

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Metacognitions are increasingly recognized for their role in addictive behaviors.
• Existing research highlights the need for specific tools to measure metacognitions related to gambling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate the first self-report scale for metacognitions about gambling.
• To assess the psychometric properties and predictive capacity of the Metacognitions about Gambling Questionnaire (MAGQ).

Main Methods:

• Three studies were conducted with community and clinical samples (total N=362).
• Factor analysis was used to determine the scale's structure.
• Psychometric properties, including internal consistency, predictive validity, and divergent validity, were examined.
• Regression analyses assessed the MAGQ's ability to predict gambling severity.

Main Results:

• A two-factor structure (positive and negative metacognitions about gambling) was supported.
• The MAGQ demonstrated acceptable internal consistency, predictive validity, and divergent validity.
• Negative metacognitions about gambling significantly predicted gambling severity, independent of negative affect and cognitive distortions.
• Both gambling severity and negative metacognitions prospectively predicted future gambling severity.

Conclusions:

• The Metacognitions about Gambling Questionnaire is a psychometrically sound measure.
• Metacognitions, particularly negative ones, are important factors in understanding and predicting gambling severity.
• The MAGQ can be a valuable tool for research and clinical assessment of gambling disorder.