Abstract
The aim of this study was to conduct an empirical investigation of the validity of Jacobs’ (in J Gambl Behav 2:15–31, 1986) general theory of addictions in relation to gambling problems associated with electronic gaming machines (EGM). Regular EGM gamblers (n = 190) completed a series of standardised measures relating to psychological and physiological vulnerability, substance use, dissociative experiences, early childhood trauma and abuse and problem gambling (the Problem Gambling Severity Index). Statistical analysis using structural equation modelling revealed clear relationships between childhood trauma and life stressors and psychological vulnerability, dissociative-like experiences and problem gambling. These findings confirm and extend a previous model validated by Gupta and Derevensky (in J Gambl Stud 14: 17–49, 1998) using an adolescent population. The significance of these findings are discussed for existing pathway models of problem gambling, for Jacobs’ theory, and for clinicians engaged in assessment and intervention.
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Notes
The two terms ‘pathological’ and ‘problem gambling’ are used interchangeably in this paper. Much of the literature relates to ‘pathological gambling’ as defined by the DSM-IV criteria, but the Problem Gambling Severity Index, the diagnostic measure used in this study, uses the term ‘problem gambler’ to signify the highest level of gambling risk identified by the screen. The authors recognise the distinction between the two terms. Problem gambling is often used more commonly in public health contexts to signify the presence of gambling-related harm, whereas pathological gambling refers to the disorder itself. However, in some gambling screens (e.g., South Oaks Gambling Screen, SOGS, Lesieur and Blume 1987), problem gambling is seen as a weaker form of pathological gambling.
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McCormick, J., Delfabbro, P. & Denson, L.A. Psychological Vulnerability and Problem Gambling: An Application of Durand Jacobs’ General Theory of Addictions to Electronic Gaming Machine Playing in Australia. J Gambl Stud 28, 665–690 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-011-9281-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-011-9281-x