Impulsivity and gambling-related cognitions in problem gambling : a multi-methods exploration
(2020)
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- The goal of this PhD thesis was to disentangle the role of impulsivity traits and gambling-related cognitions in problem gambling, as it has been established that these two constructs play a pivotal role in the onset of problem gambling and gambling disorder. Three studies investigated psychological mechanisms underlying these two constructs (e.g., inhibition, emotions and motives) through the use of laboratory tasks in “real” context. The last study investigated the heterogeneity in problem gambling suggested by the most widely accepted model in gambling: The Pathways Model (Blaszczynski & Nower, 2002). First, in two studies, by capitalizing on a realistic slot machine task, we explored the role of prepotent response inhibition and negative emotion (e.g., sadness) in persistent playing. Second, in Study 3, we focused on gambling-related variables (motives) that have been linked either to impulsivity or gambling-related cognitions. Finally, in Study 4, we investigated the conjoint role of impulsivity traits and gambling-related cognitions in problem gambling and gambling disorder through a cluster analysis approach. Results showed that problem gamblers with lower inhibition capacities (Study 1) or higher level of negative emotion (e.g., sadness; Study 2) displayed greater persistence. Study 3 validated in French the most widely used questionnaire in motives. Moreover, results highlighted significant correlations between the motives scale and constructs related to problem gambling (impulsivity traits and gambling-related cognitions). Regarding group comparisons, our results showed that, compared with the groups of regular and occasional gamblers, treatment-seeking gamblers had higher scores on three of the four GMQ-F subscales (all except the social motive). The last study identified three clusters that were globally similar to the three pathways proposed by Blaszczynski and Nower (2002). Moreover, we extended the model by adding two other clusters: (1) a cluster that included impulsive gamblers not characterized by gambling cognitions; it was a new finding as the Pathways Model postulated gambling-related cognitions as a prerequisite for problem gambling, and (2) a cluster of gamblers who displayed neither impulsivity nor gambling cognitions. These findings suggest to develop tailored interventions in gambling disorder based on heterogeneity in disorder patients and specific gambling practices. Future research should investigate this heterogeneity in longitudinal studies and in gambling disorder patients.
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Devos, G. (2020). Impulsivity and gambling-related cognitions in problem gambling : a multi-methods exploration. https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/120220