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A Test of Social Cognitive Theory Reciprocal and Sequential Effects: Hope, Superstitious Belief and Environmental Factors among Lottery Gamblers in Thailand

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Abstract

This study tested social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986) hypotheses of reciprocal and sequential effects among person, environment variables and behavior. The study examined the impact of hope, superstitious belief and environmental factors on the frequency, amounts of lottery gambling and chasing of particular numbers among Thai lottery gamblers. One hundred and fifty gamblers who visited two temples in Bangkok to search for number clues before buying tickets and 150 gamblers who simply bought lottery tickets from the stalls were recruited for the study. Models were constructed to test the effect of hope, superstitious belief and environmental factors on gambling behavior, and the reciprocal effect of gambling behavior on hope, superstitious belief and environmental factors. Results confirmed the theoretical reciprocal effects. A sequential effect model showing the effects of environmental factors on superstitious belief, hope and gambling behavior was also constructed and hope was found to be the result of superstitious belief. To reduce lottery gambling, the players need to be warned of their distorted hope and the small chance of winning lottery.

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Acknowledgement

The authors thank the anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments on the earlier draft of this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Graduate School, Bangkok University, 40/4 Rama 4 Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand

    Vanchai Ariyabuddhiphongs & Nathanat Chanchalermporn

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  1. Vanchai Ariyabuddhiphongs
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  2. Nathanat Chanchalermporn
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Correspondence to Vanchai Ariyabuddhiphongs.

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Ariyabuddhiphongs, V., Chanchalermporn, N. A Test of Social Cognitive Theory Reciprocal and Sequential Effects: Hope, Superstitious Belief and Environmental Factors among Lottery Gamblers in Thailand. J Gambl Stud 23, 201–214 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-006-9035-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-006-9035-3

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