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Poker Mania and Problem Gambling: A Study of Distorted Cognitions, Motivation and Alexithymia

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Abstract

This study examines the relationships between distorted cognitions, motivation, and alexithymia on problem gambling in poker players (n = 96). Respondents completed questionnaires containing the Canadian Problem Gambling Index, Gambling Motivation Scale, Gambler’s Beliefs Questionnaire, and Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20. The results suggest that problem gambling is significantly related to distorted cognitions, non-self-determined motivation, and difficulty identifying feelings. Implications are drawn for the development of more relevant intervention, prevention, and treatment strategies.

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  1. Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia

    Dana V. Mitrovic & Jac Brown

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  1. Dana V. Mitrovic
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  2. Jac Brown
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Correspondence to Jac Brown.

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Mitrovic, D.V., Brown, J. Poker Mania and Problem Gambling: A Study of Distorted Cognitions, Motivation and Alexithymia. J Gambl Stud 25, 489–502 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-009-9140-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-009-9140-1

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