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Testing the Validity of a Cognitive Behavioral Model for Gambling Behavior

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Abstract

Currently, cognitive behavioral therapies appear to be one of the most studied treatments for gambling problems and studies show it is effective in treating gambling problems. However, cognitive behavior models have not been widely tested using statistical means. Thus, the aim of this study was to test the validity of the pathways postulated in the cognitive behavioral theory of gambling behavior using structural equation modeling (AMOS 20). Several questionnaires assessing a range of gambling specific variables (e.g., gambling urges, cognitions and behaviors) and gambling correlates (e.g., psychological states, and coping styles) were distributed to 969 participants from the community. Results showed that negative psychological states (i.e., depression, anxiety and stress) only directly predicted gambling behavior, whereas gambling urges predicted gambling behavior directly as well as indirectly via gambling cognitions. Avoidance coping predicted gambling behavior only indirectly via gambling cognitions. Negative psychological states were significantly related to gambling cognitions as well as avoidance coping. In addition, significant gender differences were also found. The results provided confirmation for the validity of the pathways postulated in the cognitive behavioral theory of gambling behavior. It also highlighted the importance of gender differences in conceptualizing gambling behavior.

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Author notes

  1. Tian Po S. Oei

    Present address: School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Room 104, Brisbane, Australia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Room 104, Brisbane, Australia

    Namrata Raylu

  2. James Cook University, Singapore, Singapore

    Tian Po S. Oei

  3. Nanjing University, Nanjing, People’s Republic of China

    Tian Po S. Oei

  4. Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia

    Jasmine M. Y. Loo

  5. Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA

    Jasmine M. Y. Loo

  6. Yuhing Junior College of Health Care and Management, Kaohsiung, Taiwan

    Jung-Shun Tsai

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  1. Namrata Raylu
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  2. Tian Po S. Oei
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  3. Jasmine M. Y. Loo
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  4. Jung-Shun Tsai
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Correspondence to Tian Po S. Oei.

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Raylu, N., Oei, T.P.S., Loo, J.M.Y. et al. Testing the Validity of a Cognitive Behavioral Model for Gambling Behavior. J Gambl Stud 32, 773–788 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-015-9567-5

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