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Gambling-Related Cognitive Distortions Among Adolescents: A Gender-Based Analysis
Gema Aonso-Diego1, Aida María Iglesias-Faba2, Ana Estévez2
1Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Deusto, Avda. de las Universidades, 24, Bilbao, 48007, Spain. gema.aonso@deusto.es.
Journal of Gambling Studies
|April 1, 2026
Summary
Cognitive distortions are linked to higher gambling severity and online gambling, especially in adolescents. Understanding these distortions is key for gender-sensitive prevention and intervention programs.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Adolescent Behavior
- Gambling Research
Background:
- Cognitive distortions are extensively studied in relation to gambling behavior.
- Adolescent gambling presents unique challenges requiring tailored research.
- Understanding cognitive factors is crucial for effective intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine gambling-related cognitive distortions across different gambling severity levels, modalities, and types in adolescents.
- To explore the mediating role of cognitive distortions in the relationship between gambling characteristics and severity.
- To identify gender differences in cognitive distortions among adolescent gamblers.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 209 adolescents (14-18 years) who gambled in the past year.
- Gambling severity was assessed using the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS-RA).
- Cognitive distortions were measured using the Gambling Belief Questionnaire (GBQ).
Main Results:
- Cognitive distortions increased with gambling severity and were higher in online gamblers.
- Women showed higher distortions in online gambling; men showed greater distortions with problematic gambling.
- Cognitive distortions fully mediated the online gambling-severity link in women and partially in men.
Conclusions:
- Findings highlight the importance of gender-sensitive and context-specific approaches in adolescent gambling prevention.
- Cognitive distortions play a significant mediating role in adolescent gambling behavior.
- Intervention programs should address cognitive distortions tailored to gender and gambling modality.
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