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Published on: February 20, 2019
Response-outcome analysis in gambling disorder
Raquel Berg1, Letícia A G Croccoli1, Hermano Tavares1
1Institute of Psychiatry, USP, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
Revista Brasileira De Psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999)
|July 30, 2026
Summary
People with Gambling Disorder (PGD) exhibit superstitious behavior and illusion of control in tasks, even when facing negative emotions and no rewards. They persist in useless actions despite discomfort.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Gambling Disorder involves persistent betting despite negative consequences.
- Previous research shows people with gambling disorder (PGD) use less analytical strategies in short response-outcome analytical tests (ROAT).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the tendency of PGD towards illusion of control and superstitious behavior in extended ROAT versions.
- Investigate cognitive and emotional responses in PGD during ROAT.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of 34 PGD individuals with 34 healthy controls (HC).
- Evaluation of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral performance during longer ROAT versions.
Main Results:
- Perception of control in ROAT was linked to positive emotional experiences for the entire sample.
- PGD reported lower control perception and more attempts to control stimuli in uncontrollable ROAT versions compared to HC.
- PGD found ROAT versions more emotionally distressing than HC.
Conclusions:
- PGD demonstrated increased persistence in non-rewarding, uncontrollable tasks, showing a disconnect between negative emotions and behavior.
- Individuals with Gambling Disorder exhibit a tendency towards superstitious behavior and illusion of control, even under adverse conditions.
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