The Examination of Cryptocurrency Trading Behaviors in Relation to Gambling Disorder and Psychological Risk Factors

Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that differ from traditional currencies in their unique characteristics. An increasing number of individuals are showing interest in cryptocurrency trading and spending long hours engaged in this activity. Current studies point out that some behaviors of cryptocurrency investors may be associated with problematic mental health outcomes. The present study aims to investigate problematic cryptocurrency trading behaviors and to examine these behaviors in terms of gambling disorder and psychological risk factors.

Two hundred four volunteered participants whose ages ranged between 18 and 65 years (mean = 31.62, SD = 6.95) were recruited. For data collection, the Problematic Cryptocurrency Trading Scale, Problem Gambling Severity Index, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised - Abbreviated Form, UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale, and Positive and Negative Affect Schedule were administered.

Findings demonstrated that participants exhibiting symptoms of problematic cryptocurrency trading had higher levels of problem gambling severity, negative emotions, extraversion, and urgency, along with lower levels of premeditation and perseverance. Additionally, the linear regression with backward elimination revealed that problem gambling severity and extraversion are associated with problematic cryptocurrency trading.

These findings suggest that greater engagement in cryptocurrency speculation may be associated with increased gambling behaviors and that both activities could be linked to underlying personality traits, impulsivity, and negative emotions.