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CORK Bibliography: Behavioral Addictions

116 citations. January 2011 to present

Prepared: December 2011

Afifi TO; Cox BJ; Martens PJ; Sareen J; Enns MW. The relation between types and frequency of gambling activities and problem gambling among women in Canada. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 55(1): 21-28, 2010. (46 refs.)

Objective: Canada experienced large-scale growth of the gambling industry during the 1990s. Clinical data have indicated that substantial proportions of people seeking help for gambling problems in Canada are women. A population health model was used to understand the relation between types and frequency of gambling activities and problem gambling among women in Canada. Method: Data used for the analysis were from the nationally representative Canadian Community Health Survey: Mental Health and Well-Being (CCHS 1.2; n = 10 056, women aged 15 years and older; data collected in 2002). Results: The types of gambling associated with the highest odds of problem gambling among women in Canada were video lottery terminals (VLTs) outside the casino (OR 2.37 to 53.73; P < 0.01), VLTs inside the casino (OR 2.84 to 36.19; P < 0.001), and other casino games (OR 4.01 to 24.15; P < 0.001). Conclusions: These observations further our understanding of problem gambling among women in Canada and confirm that problem gambling among women is an important public health concern. Frequent VLT gambling, both outside and inside casinos, and other casino games are associated with the largest odds of problem gambling, which highlights an area of gambling in Canada that needs to be reassessed if problem gambling is to be prevented or reduced. Evidence-based research is necessary to inform healthy public policies on gambling in Canada. Findings from the current research have important research and policy implications.

Beaver KM; Hoffman T; Shields RT; Vaughn MG; DeLisi M; Wright JP. Gender differences in genetic and environmental influences on gambling: Results from a sample of twins from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Addiction 105(3): 536-542, 2010. (33 refs.)

Aims: To examine the extent to which genetic factors and shared and non-shared environmental factors are implicated in the development of gambling behaviors and to examine whether there are gender differences in the genetic and environmental contributors to gambling behaviors. Design: A genetically informative analysis was performed by using DeFries-Fulker (DF) analysis. Setting: Analysis of secondary data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Participants A total of 324 monozygotic (MZ) twins and 278 same-sex dizygotic (DZ) twins were included in the analysis. Of these twins, there were 150 male MZ twins, 144 male DZ twins, 174 female MZ twins and 134 female DZ twins. Measurements: Gambling behavior was measured through eight self-reported questions that tapped a range of items designed to measure problems related to gambling. Self-reported measures of self-control and delinquent involvement were also included to examine the degree to which these factors covaried with gambling behavior. Findings: The results of the DF analysis indicated that when male and female twin pairs were analyzed simultaneously, genetic factors explained approximately 70% of the variance in gambling and non-shared environmental factors explained the remaining variance. When gender-specific models were calculated, substantial gender differences emerged. For males, genetic factors explained approximately 85% of the variance in gambling, with the non-shared environment accounting for the remaining variance. For females, genetic factors explained none of the variance in gambling behaviors, while the shared environment explained 45% of the variance and the non-shared environment explained 55% of the variance. Conclusions: Analysis of twins from the Add Health data suggests that there are significant gender differences in the genetic and environmental underpinnings to gambling behaviors.

Afifi TO; Brownridge DA; MacMillan H; Sareen J. The relationship of gambling to intimate partner violence and child maltreatment in a nationally representative sample. Journal of Psychiatric Research 44(5): 331-337, 2010. (40 refs.)

It has been suggested that family violence is associated with gambling problems. However, to date, this relationship has not been thoroughly investigated using representative data. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the relationship between gambling problems and the perpetration and victimization of intimate partner violence (including dating and marital violence) and child maltreatment (including minor child assault and severe child abuse) using nationally representative data. Data were drawn from the US National Comorbidity Survey Replication (n = 3334; 18 years and older). Multiple logistic and multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the relationships between gambling and the perpetration and victimization of dating violence, marital violence, and child maltreatment. The results indicated that problem gambling was associated with increased odds of the perpetration of dating violence (Adjusted Odds Ratios (AORs) ranged from 2.2 to 4.2), while pathological gambling was associated with increased odds of the perpetration of dating violence (AORs ranged from 5.7 to 11.9), severe marital violence (AOR = 20.4), and severe child abuse (AOR = 13.2). Additionally, dating violence, marital violence, and severe child abuse victimization were associated with increased odds of gambling problems. The results were attenuated when adjusted for lifetime mental disorders. These findings can be used as evidence-based research to inform healthy public gambling polices and inform prevention and intervention efforts.

Barmaki R. Gambling as a social problem: on the social conditions of gambling in Canada. Journal of Youth Studies 13(1): 47-64, 2010. (124 refs.)

Since the 1980s, Canadian legalized gambling has undergone a massive growth, resulting in numerous social problems such as crime, political corruption, and, most importantly, pathological gambling. When it comes to theorizing gambling in Canada, pathological gambling has been the centre of the attention for two related reasons: (1) the increasing concern with individual and social harms resulting from it; and (2) priority given by grant-giving institutions to 'useful' scholarly efforts related to it. A major drawback, however, has been that these explanations often overlook the impact of broader social conditions on gambling behaviour and, instead, provide politically and ideologically conservative, microlevel analyses that point to the individual gamblers as the source of the problem. These theories, therefore, present partial accounts of an enduring and growing, socially produced problem. The argument of this paper is that Canadians' gambling behaviour, and its consequences, must be understood primarily as a social problem and within the nexus of (a) the Canadian state's pro-gambling policies (prompted by the need to generate revenues); (b) the gap between commonly shared Canadian cultural values - monetary success - and legitimate means of achieving them; and (c) capitalist processes of profit-making and commodification. Only then can we have a better understanding of a persistent and growing problem.

Clark L. Decision-making during gambling: An integration of cognitive and psychobiological approaches. (review). Philosophical Transactions of The Royal Society. B: Biological Sciences 365(1538): 319-330, 2010. (112 refs.)

Gambling is a widespread form of entertainment that may afford unique insights into the interaction between cognition and emotion in human decision-making. It is also a behaviour that can become harmful, and potentially addictive, in a minority of individuals. This article considers the status of two dominant approaches to gambling behaviour. The cognitive approach has identified a number of erroneous beliefs held by gamblers, which cause them to over-estimate their chances of winning. The psychobiological approach has examined case-control differences between groups of pathological gamblers and healthy controls, and has identified dysregulation of brain areas linked to reward and emotion, including the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and striatum, as well as alterations in dopamine neurotransmission. In integrating these two approaches, recent data are discussed that reveal anomalous recruitment of the brain reward system (including the vmPFC and ventral striatum) during two common cognitive distortions in gambling games: the near-miss effect and the effect of personal control. In games of chance, near-misses and the presence of control have no objective influence on the likelihood of winning. These manipulations appear to harness a reward system that evolved to learn skill-oriented behaviours, and by modulating activity in this system, these cognitive distortions may promote continued, and potentially excessive, gambling.

del Libano M; Llorens S; Salanova M; Schaufeli W. Validity of a brief workaholism scale. Psicothema 22(1): 143-150, 2010. (29 refs.)

The current study contributes to our understanding of workaholism as a negative construct, and to its measurement by examining the psychometric properties of a short 10-item workaholism scale called DUWAS (Dutch Work Addiction Scale). Confirmatory factor analyses were carried out in a heterogeneous sample of 2,714 employees from the Netherlands (n= 2,164) and Spain (n= 550). The results confirmed the expected two-factor structure of workaholism: working excessively and working compulsively. Moreover, multi-group analyses showed that this two-factor structure was invariant across both countries. Lastly, negative correlations among workaholism and psychosocial well-being (i.e., perceived health and happiness) are indicators of the negative nature of workaholism.

Chan VKY. Using neural networks to model the behavior and decisions of gamblers, in particular, cyber-gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(1): 35-52, 2010. (43 refs.)

This article describes the use of neural networks (a type of artificial intelligence) and an empirical data sample of, inter alia, the amounts of bets laid and the winnings/losses made in successive games by a number of cyber-gamblers to longitudinally model gamblers' behavior and decisions as to such bet amounts and the temporal trajectory of winnings/losses. The data was collected by videoing Texas Holdem gamblers at a cyber-gambling website. Six "persistent" gamblers were identified, totaling 675 games. The neural networks on average were able to predict bet amounts and cumulative winnings/losses in successive games accurately to three decimal places of the dollar. A more important conclusion is that the influence of a gambler's skills, strategies, and personality on his/her successive bet amounts and cumulative winnings/losses is almost totally reflected by the pattern(s) of his/her winnings/losses in the few initial games and his/her gambling account balance. This partially invalidates gamblers' illusions and fallacies that they can outperform others or even bankers. For government policy-makers, gambling industry operators, economists, sociologists, psychiatrists, and psychologists, this article provides models for gamblers' behavior and decisions. It also explores and exemplifies the usefulness of neural networks and artificial intelligence at large in the research on gambling.

Du YS; Jiang WQ; Vance A. Longer term effect of randomized, controlled group cognitive behavioural therapy for Internet addiction in adolescent students in Shanghai. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 44(2): 129-134, 2010. (19 refs.)

Objectve: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for internet addiction in adolescents. Method: A total of 56 patients, who met Beard's diagnostic criteria for Internet addiction, aged 12-17 years, were divided randomly into an active treatment group (n = 32) and a clinical control group (n = 24). Participants in the active treatment group were treated with an eight-session multimodal school-based group CBT while participants in the clinical control group received no intervention. Internet use, time management, emotional, cognitive and behavioural measures were assessed for both groups at baseline, immediately after the intervention and at 6 month follow up by investigators blind to the participants' group status. Results: Internet use decreased in both groups while only the multimodal school-based group CBT evinced improved time management skills and better emotional, cognitive and behavioural symptoms. Conclusions: Multimodal school-based group CBT is effective for adolescents with Internet addiction, particularly in improving emotional state and regulation ability, behavioural and self-management style.

Elsasser GN; Kavan MG; Westerman GH; Destache CJ; Sexson E; Turner PD. A survey of pharmacy students' experiences with gambling. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education 74(2): 26, 2010. (23 refs.)

Objectives. To assess gambling among pharmacy students using the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS). Methods. Six hundred fifty-eight pharmacy students enrolled at Creighton University were surveyed to determine the extent and characteristics of their gambling. Results. Four hundred eighty-eight students (74.2%) participated (mean age was 26.6 years and 63.4% were female). Almost two-thirds (63.1%) gambled at least once during the past 12 months. Slightly more than 16% (80) of students were identified as "at-risk'' (SOGS scores of 1 to 2). Another 5% (24) were likely to be problem gamblers (SOGS scores of 3 to 4), while 1% of students were identified as probable pathological gamblers (SOGS scores >= 5). Students who gambled were significantly more likely than non-gamblers to be single males. Gamblers with a score >= 1 were significantly more likely to report gambling had affected their relationships with others, compared to casual gamblers. Conclusions. Gambling is a common activity among pharmacy students. While the incidence of problem gambling is relatively small, the percentage of our students who may be at-risk for gambling-related problems is noteworthy.

Gebauer L; LaBrie R; Shaffer HJ. Optimizing DSM-IV-TR classification accuracy: A brief biosocial screen for detecting current gambling disorders among gamblers in the general household population. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry 55(2): 82-90, 2010. (27 refs.)

Objective: To develop a pathological gambling (PG) screen for efficient application to the household population and for clinicians to use with treatment seekers. Method: We applied a series of multivariate discriminant functions to past-12-month Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR)-based, gambling-related problems; the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) measured and collected this data. The NESARC conducted computer-assisted personal interviews with 43 093 households and identified the largest sample of pathological gamblers drawn from the general household population. Results: We created a 3-item, brief biosocial gambling screen (BBGS) with high sensitivity (Sensitivity = 0.96; 76 of 79 pathological gamblers correctly identified) and high specificiy (Specificity = 0.99; 10 892 of 11 027 nonpathological gamblers correctly identified). Conclusions: Major US studies reveal extensive comorbidity of PG with other mental illnesses. The BBGS features psychometric advantages for health care providers that should encourage clinicians and epidemiologists to consider current PG along with other problems. The BBGS is practical for clinical application because it uses only 3 items and they are easy to ask, answer, and include in all modes of interviewing, including self-administered surveys. The BBGS has a strong theoretical foundation because it includes 1 item from each of the addiction syndrome 3 domains: neuroadaptation (for example, withdrawal); psychosocial characteristics (for example, lying); and adverse social consequences of gambling (for example, obtaining money from others).

Kertzman S; Vainder M; Vishne T; Aizer A; Kotler M; Dannon PN. Speed-accuracy tradeoff in decision-making performance among pathological gamblers. European Addiction Research 16(1): 23-30, 2010. (69 refs.)

Background: Pathological gambling is classified as an impulse control disorder in the DSM-IV-TR; however, few studies have investigated the relationship between gambling behavior and impulsive decision-making in time-non-limited situations. Methods: The subjects performed the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT). The MFFT investigated the reflection-impulsivity dimension in pathological gamblers (n = 82) and demographically matched healthy subjects (n = 82). Results: Our study demonstrated that pathological gamblers had a significantly higher rate of errors than healthy controls (p = 0.01) but were not different ind terms of response time (p = 0.49). We found a similar power of correlation between the number of errors and response time in both pathological gamblers and controls. We may conclude that impaired performance of our pathological gamblers as compared to controls in a situation without time limit pressure cannot be explained by a trade-off of greater speed at the cost of less accuracy. Conclusions: The results of our study showed that pathological gamblers tend to make more errors but do not exhibit quicker responses as compared to the control group. Diminished MFFT performance in pathological gamblers as compared to controls supports findings of previous studies which show that pathological gamblers have impaired decision-making. Further controlled studies with a larger sample size which examine MFFT performance in pathological gamblers are necessary to confirm our results.

Harrigan KA; Dixon M. Government sanctioned "tight" and "loose" slot machines: How having multiple versions of the same slot machine game may impact problem gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(1): 159-174, 2010. (28 refs.)

In Ontario, Canada, the regulator approves identical looking slot machine games with different payback percentages. We gained access to the design documents (called PAR Sheets) used to program these different versions of the same slots game and ran Gambler's Ruin simulations of 2,000 first-time players who each arrived with a $100 bankroll and played either the 85 or 98% version of the same game until broke. Simulations revealed that the typical (median) player's experience did not differ significantly between versions. However the payback percentage affected the experience of players in the upper tails of the distributions with those in the 98% version having dramatically more total spins, winning spins, entries into the "bonus mode", and "hand pays" (a win of $125 or more on a given spin). Most importantly, the number of simulated players who had a maximum peak balance in excess of $1,000 rose tenfold-from 5 in the 85% version to 54 in the 98% version. The results are discussed in terms of the Pathways Model of Problem and Pathological Gambling especially in terms of behavioural conditioning, cognitive beliefs, and early big wins. It may well be that those machines that are on the surface the "fairest" to the gambler, actually pose the most risk for ensuing gambling problems.

Hewig J; Kretschmer N; Trippe RH; Hecht H; Coles MGH; Holroyd CB et al. Hypersensitivity to reward in problem gamblers. Biological Psychiatry 67(8): 781-783, 2010. (20 refs.)

Background: Recent research has begun to examine the neurophysiologic basis of pathological gambling. However, direct evidence of a behavioral deficit and an accompanying neurofunctional deviation in a realistic gambling context such as Black Jack has not yet been reported. Methods: Electroencephalogram was recorded while 20 problem gamblers and 21 control participants played a computerized version of Black Jack. Participants were asked to decide at point scores between 11 and 21 whether they wanted to take another card ("hit") to arrive closer to 21 than the opponent (simulated by computer) or not to take another card ("sit") to avoid going over 21 ("bust"). Results: At a critical point score of 16, problem gamblers decided more often to hit despite losses due to a bust on the preceding trial, whereas control participants decided more often to sit under these conditions. Furthermore, problem gamblers showed more reward-related positive amplitudes in the event-related brain potential than control participants after successful hit decisions at 16. Conclusions: Here we provide experimental evidence for high-risk taking behavior in gamblers and its correlate in event-related brain potentials. Our results suggest that high-risk-taking behavior in problem gamblers is associated with an increased reward-related neural response to infrequent successes of this behavior.

Kafka MP. Hypersexual disorder: A proposed diagnosis for DSM-V. Archives of Sexual Behavior 39(2): 377-400, 2010. (238 refs.)

Hypersexual Disorder is proposed as a new psychiatric disorder for consideration in the Sexual Disorders section for DSM-V. Historical precedents describing hypersexual behaviors as well as the antecedent representations and proposals for inclusion of such a condition in the previous DSM manuals are reviewed. Epidemiological as well as clinical evidence is presented suggesting that non-paraphilic "excesses" of sexual behavior (i.e., hypersexual behaviors and disorders) can be accompanied by both clinically significant personal distress and social and medical morbidity. The research literature describing comorbid Axis I and Axis II psychiatric disorders and a purported relationship between Axis I disorders and Hypersexual Disorder is discussed. Based on an extensive review of the literature, Hypersexual Disorder is conceptualized as primarily a nonparaphilic sexual desire disorder with an impulsivity component. Specific polythetic diagnostic criteria, as well as behavioral specifiers, are proposed, intended to integrate empirically based contributions from various putative pathophysiological perspectives, including dysregulation of sexual arousal and desire, sexual impulsivity, sexual addiction, and sexual compulsivity.

Kim Y; Park JY; Kim SB; Jung IK; Lim YS; Kim JH. The effects of Internet addiction on the lifestyle and dietary behavior of Korean adolescents. Nutrition Research and Practice 4(1): 51-57, 2010. (30 refs.)

We performed this study to examine lifestyle patterns and dietary behavior based on the level of Internet addiction of Korean adolescents. Data were collected from 853 Korean junior high school students. The level of Internet addiction was determined based on the Korean Internet addiction self-scale short form for youth, and students were classified as high-risk Internet users, potential-risk Internet users, and no risk Internet users. The associations between the students' levels of Internet addiction and lifestyle patterns and dietary behavior were analyzed using a chi-square test. Irregular bedtimes and the use of alcohol and tobacco were higher in high-risk Internet users than no risk Internet users. Moreover, in high-risk Internet users, irregular dietary behavior due to the loss of appetite, a high frequency of skipping meals, and snacking might cause imbalances in nutritional intake. Diet quality in high-risk Internet users was also worse than in potential-risk Internet users and no risk Internet users. We demonstrated in this study that high-risk Internet users have inappropriate dietary behavior and poor diet quality, which could result in stunted growth and development. Therefore, nutrition education targeting high-risk Internet users should be conducted to ensure proper growth and development.

Mutschler J; Buhler M; Grosshans M; Diehl A; Mann K; Kiefer F. Disulfiram, an option for the treatment of pathological gambling? Alcohol and Alcoholism 45(2): 214-216, 2010. (29 refs.)

Aim: Pathological gambling and comorbid alcohol dependence often occur in combination. Disulfiram is one of the proven drugs for alcohol dependence. In addition to its inhibiting acetaldehyde dehydrogenase, disulfiram inhibits dopamine beta-hydroxylase and may thereby increase dopamine and decrease norepinephrine cerebral concentrations. Because there may be common neurochemical substrates and neuronal circuits for pathological gambling and addiction, we wished to explore the effect of disulfiram in gambling. Method: We describe the outcome of a patient with alcohol dependence and pathological gambling treated with disulfiram D. Results: During treatment with disulfiram, the patient reported that his desire to gamble disappeared entirely. Follow-up indicated that he has not gambled for > 12 months. Conclusions: Although uncontrolled case observations should be interpreted with caution, disulfiram deserves further investigation in pathological gambling.

Li S; Zhou K; Sun Y; Rao LL; Zheng R; Liang ZY. Anticipated regret, risk perception, or both: Which is most likely responsible for our intention to gamble? Journal of Gambling Studies 26(1): 105-116, 2010. (41 refs.)

The current study investigated whether risk aversion or regret aversion could be related to a lower intention to gamble, and whether the type of gambling was a moderator of this relationship. The study took place in Macau, often called "the Las Vegas of East Asia." A total of 373 Macau residents completed a questionnaire survey dealing with thirteen types of gambling. The results showed that risk perception and anticipated regret had a significant negative effect on the intention to gamble. This negative effect was domain-specific, varying with the type of gambling. Our findings indicated that neither risk aversion nor regret aversion can uniquely explain an individual's risk-taking tendency consistently. Instead, which factor plays a greater role in lowering the intention to gamble-regret aversion, risk aversion, or both-is itself dependent on the type of gambling involved. The finding that not all gambles are created equal could be useful in gambling prevention and advertising appeal by providing a basis for understanding the role that cognitive and emotional factors play in different types of gambling.

O'Brien CP. Commentary on Tao et al. (2010): Internet addiction and DSM-V. (commentary). Addiction 105(3): 565-565, 2010. (4 refs.)

Oei TPS; Raylu N. Gambling behaviours and motivations: A cross-cultural study of chinese and caucasians in australia. International Journal of Social Psychiatry 56(1): 23-34, 2010. (29 refs.)

Background: Research on gambling behaviours among the Chinese, especially compared to Caucasians, is lacking. Aims and Methods: Gambling behaviours and motivations between community-based Chinese (n = 199) and Caucasians (n = 306) living in Australia were compared. Results: There were significant differences between Caucasians and Australian Chinese in relation to gambling behaviours and types of motivations that could predict problem gambling between the two groups. Conclusions: The findings provide relevant information in understanding gambling behaviours and motivations among the Chinese, as well as a step towards the development of tailored preventive and treatment interventions for problem gambling in this population.

Padilla-Walker LM; Nelson LJ; Carroll JS; Jensen AC. More than a just a game: Video game and internet use during emerging adulthood. Journal of Youth and Adolescence 39(2): 103-113, 2010. (26 refs.)

The purpose of this study was to gain a clearer understanding of the pattern of video game and internet use among college students and to examine how electronic leisure was related to risk behaviors (i.e., drinking, drug use, sex), perceptions of the self (i.e., self worth and social acceptance), and relationships with others (i.e., relationship quality with parents and friends). Participants included 813 undergraduate students (500 young women, 313 young men, M age = 20, SD = 1.87) who were mainly European American (79%), unmarried (100%) and living outside their parents' home (90%). Results suggested that (a) video game use was linked to negative outcomes for men and women, (b) different patterns of video game and internet use existed for men and women and (c) there were different relations to risk behaviors, feelings about the self, and relationship quality based on the type of internet use, and based on gender. The discussion focuses on the implications of electronic leisure on the overall health and development of young people as they transition to adulthood.

Paris JJ; Franco C; Sodano R; Frye CA; Wulfert E. Gambling pathology is associated with dampened cortisol response among men and women. Physiology & Behavior 99(2, special issue): 230-233, 2010. (45 refs.)

Pathological gambling has many similarities to pharmacological addiction. Notably, both pathological gambling and drug addiction are characterized by aberrations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responding. As well, there are indications that gender differences may play a role in these processes. Whether gender and/or HPA response are associated with pathological gambling was of interest. Recreational and pathological gamblers (15 men and 6 women per group) had the HPA factor, cortisol, assessed in saliva before and after watching a video of their preferred mode of gambling (slot machines, horse race betting, scratch-off tickets, blackjack, video poker, craps, sports betting, online casino games, or lottery tickets), and a video of neutral stimuli (a rollercoaster ride). Basal levels of salivary cortisol did not significantly differ among recreational and pathological gamblers. However, recreational gamblers demonstrated significantly increased salivary cortisol levels after the gambling and rollercoaster videos, whereas pathological gamblers demonstrated no salivary cortisol increase in response to either video stimulus. There was also a nonsignificant trend for women to have a greater cortisol response to video stimuli compared to men. These data suggest that pathological gambling is associated with hypoactive HPA response to gambling stimuli, similar to chronic drug exposure, and gender may contribute to this effect.

Martin RJ; Usdan S; Nelson S; Umstattd MR; LaPlante D; Perko M et al. Using the theory of planned behavior to predict gambling behavior. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors 24(1): 89-97, 2010. (33 refs.)

Gambling is an important public health concern. To better understand gambling behavior, we conducted a classroom-based survey that assessed the role of the theory of planned behavior (TPB; i.e., intentions, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and attitudes) in past-year gambling and gambling frequency among college students. Results: from this research support the utility of the TPB to explain gambling behavior in this population. Specifically, in TPB models to predict gambling behavior, friend and family subjective norms and perceived behavioral control predicted past-year gambling, and friend and family subjective norms, attitudes, and perceived behavioral control predicted gambling frequency. Intention to gamble mediated these relationships. These findings suggest that college-based responsible gambling efforts should consider targeting misperceptions of approval regarding gambling behavior (i.e., subjective norms), personal approval of gambling behavior (i.e., attitudes), and perceived behavioral control to better manage gambling behavior in various situations.

Momper SL. Implications of American Indian gambling for social work research and practice. Social Work 55(2, Special Issue): 139-146, 2010. (51 refs.)

Since the 1988 passage of the Indian Gaming and Regulatory Act (IRA), American Indian tribal communities have rapidly opened up casinos. American Indian participation in recreational gambling has increased, resulting in an increase in problem and pathological gambling. However, increased revenues from gaming have significantly benefited tribes. Background information on the Supreme Court case that led to passage of the IGRA and subsequently the opening of casinos on Indian reservations is provided. Data are presented on American Indian gambling studies that explore the impact of gambling on the development of problem or pathological gambling among American Indians. Reports and data are presented on the effects of gambling on the socioeconomic development of tribal communities. The implications of American Indian gaming for social work research and practice are discussed.

Monaghan S; Blaszczynski A. Impact of mode of display and message content of responsible gambling signs for electronic gaming machines on regular gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(1): 67-88, 2010. (65 refs.)

Harm-minimization strategies aim to reduce gambling-related risks; however, minimal evidence supports the effectiveness of current strategies involving the placement of warning signs in gambling venues and on electronic gaming machines (EGMs). This qualitative replication study evaluated the differential effect of pop-up messages compared to static signs and the content of messages on EGMs on recall, thoughts, and behaviors assessed during the session and at 2-week follow-up. In Study 1, 127 regular EGM gamblers (male = 97, mean age = 20.3) recruited from a university student population attended a laboratory where they were randomly assigned to play a computer-based simulated EGM analogue displaying signs that differed by (a) mode of presentation (pop-up and static) and (b) message content (informative, self-appraisal, and control/blank). In Study 2, an identical methodology was used but included the use of a simulated EGM within an in vivo gaming setting with 124 regular EGM players (male = 81, mean age = 44.1). Results from both studies showed that pop-up messages were recalled more effectively than static messages immediately and at 2-week follow-up. Pop-up messages reportedly had a significantly greater impact on within-session thoughts and behaviors. Messages encouraging self-appraisal resulted in significantly greater effect on self-reported thoughts and behaviors during both the experimental session and in subsequent EGM play. These findings support the effectiveness of pop-up messages containing self-appraisal messages as an appropriate harm-minimization initiative.

Porter G; Starcevic V; Berle D; Fenech P. Recognizing problem video game use. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 44(2): 120-128, 2010. (23 refs.)

Objectves: It has been increasingly recognized that some people develop problem video game use, defined here as excessive use of video games resulting in various negative psychosocial and/or physical consequences. The main objectives of the present study were to identify individuals with problem video game use and compare them with those without problem video game use on several variables. Method: An international, anonymous online survey was conducted, using a questionnaire with provisional criteria for problem video game use, which the authors have developed. These criteria reflect the crucial features of problem video game use: preoccupation with and loss of control over playing video games and multiple adverse consequences of this activity. Results: A total of 1945 survey participants completed the survey. Respondents who were identified as problem video game users (n = 156, 8.0%) differed significantly from others (n = 1789) on variables that provided independent, preliminary validation of the provisional criteria for problem video game use. They played longer than planned and with greater frequency, and more often played even though they did not want to and despite believing that they should not do it. Problem video game users were more likely to play certain online role-playing games, found it easier to meet people online, had fewer friends in real life, and more often reported excessive caffeine consumption. Conclusions: People with problem video game use can be identified by means of a questionnaire and on the basis of the present provisional criteria, which require further validation. These findings have implications for recognition of problem video game users among individuals, especially adolescents, who present to mental health services. Mental health professionals need to acknowledge the public health significance of the multiple negative consequences of problem video game use.

Nastally BL; Dixon MR; Jackson JW. Manipulating slot machine preference in problem gamblers through contextual control. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis 43(1): 125-129, 2010. (11 refs.)

Pathological and nonpathological gamblers completed a task that assessed preference among 2 concurrently available slot machines. Subsequent assessments of choice were conducted after various attempts to transfer contextual functions associated with irrelevant characteristics of the slot machines. Results indicated that the nonproblem gambling group, but not the problem gambling group, increased their responding toward the slot initially trained as greater than following the initial training procedure, then decreased their responding toward that slot following the reversal phase.

Nelson SE; Kleschinsky JH; LaBrie RA; Kaplan S; Shaffer HJ. One decade of self exclusion: Missouri casino self-excluders four to ten years after enrollment. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(1): 129-144, 2010. (16 refs.)

For more than a decade, casinos around the world have offered self-exclusion programs (SEPs) to gamblers seeking help with their gambling behavior. Despite the proliferation of SEPs, little is known about the long-term outcomes for gamblers who utilize these programs. The current study assessed the experiences of a sample (N = 113) of Missouri self-excluders (SEs) for as long as 10 years after their initial enrollment in the Missouri Voluntary Exclusion Program (MVEP). Most SEs had positive experiences with MVEP and reduced their gambling and gambling problems after enrollment. However, 50% of SEs who attempted to trespass at Missouri casinos after enrollment were able to, indicating that the benefit of MVEP was attributable more to the act of enrollment than enforcement. SEs who engaged in complementary treatment or self-help groups had more positive outcomes than those who did not, suggesting that SEPs ought to encourage and provide information about additional support and treatment options to participants.

Rossi M; Gerschcovich ER; de Achaval D; Perez-Lloret S; Cerquetti D; Cammarota A et al. Decision-making in Parkinson's disease patients with and without pathological gambling. European Journal of Neurology 17(1): 97-102, 2010. (38 refs.)

Background and purpose: Pathological gambling (PG) in Parkinson's disease (PD) is a frequent impulse control disorder associated mainly with dopamine replacement therapy. As impairments in decision-making were described independently in PG and PD, the objective of this study was to assess decision-making processes in PD patients with and without PG. Methods: Seven PD patients with PG and 13 age, sex, education and disease severity matched PD patients without gambling behavior were enrolled in the study. All patients were assessed with a comprehensive neuropsychiatric and cognitive evaluation, including tasks used to assess decision-making abilities under ambiguous or risky situations, like the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), the Game of Dice Task and the Investment Task. Results: Compared to PD patients without gambling behavior, those with PG obtained poorer scores in the IGT and in a rating scale of social behavior, but not in other decision-making and cognitive tasks. Conclusions: Low performance in decision-making under ambiguity and abnormal social behavior distinguished PD patients with PG from those without this disorder. Dopamine replacement therapy may induce dysfunction of the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and amygdala-ventral striatum system, thus increasing the risk for developing PG.

Russell-Mayhew S; von Ranson KM; Masson PC. How does Overeaters Anonymous help its members? A qualitative analysis. European Eating Disorders Review 18(1): 33-42, 2010. (34 refs.)

Overeaters Anonymous (OA) is a 12-step, self-help group for individuals who perceive themselves to have problems with compulsive overeating. Despite the popularity of OA and the frequent use of addictions-based treatments for eating disorders, little is known about how OA is helpful. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore members' experiences with and perceptions of OA. We conducted three focus groups with self-selected members of OA (N = 20). We present three primary themes that emerged from the analysis of the focus groups' discussions, which emphasize why individuals entered OA, OA's 'tools', and how individuals perceived OA to 'work'. Overall, although participants agreed OA was helpful to them, there was no consensus regarding how OA 'works'.

Siri C; Cilia R; De Gaspari D; Canesi M; Meucci N; Zecchinelli AL et al. Cognitive status of patients with Parkinson's disease and pathological gambling. Journal of Neurology 257(2): 247-252, 2010. (41 refs.)

The cognitive status of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) who developed pathological gambling (PG) during dopamine replacement therapy has been poorly explored. We compared clinical and cognitive features of 21 consecutive PD patients with active PG (PD-PG) versus 42 PD controls of similar disease duration without any impulse control disorder. All patients underwent full neuropsychological testing to evaluate executive and other frontal lobe-related functions, attention, learning and memory, language, visuospatial abilities and neuropsychiatric status [using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI)] as well as the South Oaks Gambling Screen Scale (SOGS). PD-PG were younger (60.4 vs. 64.9, p = 0.01) and more frequently of male gender (85 vs. 57%, p = 0.02). The two groups did not differ in medication dosages and kind of dopamine agonist. PD-PG had higher MMSE (29.1 vs. 27.4, p = 0.02) and performed better at Rey Auditory Verbal learning Test (45.9 vs. 40.4, p = 0.04), verbal phonemic fluencies (38.7 vs. 31.8, p = 0.02), verbal semantic fluencies (44.9 vs. 37.4, p = 0.01) and attentive matrices (47.6 vs. 43.5, p = 0.05) while the remaining cognitive performances were comparable to controls. Moreover, based on the NPI, PD-PG had higher aggressiveness, irritability, disinhibition and eating disorders than controls. In conclusion the occurrence of PG in our cohort of patients with PD was associated with preserved executive functions.

Tao R; Huang XQ; Wang JN; Zhang HM; Zhang Y; Li MC. Proposed diagnostic criteria for internet addiction. Addiction 105(3): 556-564, 2010. (24 refs.)

Objective: The objective of this study was to develop diagnostic criteria for internet addiction disorder (IAD) and to evaluate the validity of our proposed diagnostic criteria for discriminating non-dependent from dependent internet use in the general population. Methods: This study was conducted in three stages: the developmental stage (110 subjects in the survey group; 408 subjects in the training group), where items of the proposed diagnostic criteria were developed and tested; the validation stage (n = 405), where the proposed criteria were evaluated for criterion-related validity; and the clinical stage (n = 150), where the criteria and the global clinical impression of IAD were evaluated by more than one psychiatrist to determine inter-rater reliability. Results: The proposed internet addiction diagnostic criteria consisted of symptom criterion (seven clinical symptoms of IAD), clinically significant impairment criterion (functional and psychosocial impairments), course criterion (duration of addiction lasting at least 3 months, with at least 6 hours of non-essential internet usage per day) and exclusion criterion (exclusion of dependency attributed to psychotic disorders). A diagnostic score of 2 + 1, where the first two symptoms (preoccupation and withdrawal symptoms) and at least one of the five other symptoms (tolerance, lack of control, continued excessive use despite knowledge of negative effects/affects, loss of interests excluding internet, and use of the internet to escape or relieve a dysphoric mood) was established. Inter-rater reliability was 98%. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the proposed diagnostic criteria may be useful for the standardization of diagnostic criteria for IAD.

Shaffer HJ; Peller AJ; LaPlante DA; Nelson SE; LaBrie RA. Toward a paradigm shift in Internet gambling research: From opinion and self-report to actual behavior. Addiction Research & Theory 18(3): 270-283, 2010. (55 refs.)

Internet gambling is one of the fastest growing gambling-related industries (Christian Capital Advisers 2006). As the Internet gambling industry expands, many stakeholders have created, or are in the process of creating, gambling-related policy. Policy makers promulgating these regulations rely on professional opinions and/or conventional wisdoms related to Internet gambling to guide them because of the lack of sufficient scientific research. There is an ongoing need for quality empirical research to guide the development of public policies that surround Internet gambling. This article summarizes the current state of scientific research about Internet gambling by identifying, describing, and critiquing the available peer-reviewed literature. To identify the peer-reviewed literature related to Internet gambling published between January 1, 1967 and March 7, 2008, we used the search term "Internet [and ] gambling" in the PubMed and PsychINFO search engines. Of the 111 articles identified by our systematic search, only 30 included Internet gambling as a focus. The study methods presented in the abstracts of these 30 articles indicate that none included actual gambling behavior: 10 provided self-reports of gambling behavior using samples not representative of the general population, and 20 of the 30 articles were commentaries. In response to the clarion call to improve the state of psychological research (Baumeister et al. 2007), we have conducted research utilizing actual Internet gambling behavior. In contrast to prior self-report and case study research, our investigations using actual Internet gambling behavior suggest an overall pattern of moderate Internet gambling behavior.

van den Eijnden RJJM; Spijkerman R; Vermulst AA; van Rooij TJ; Engels RCME. Compulsive Internet use among adolescents: Bidirectional parent-child relationships. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology 38(1): 77-89, 2010. (56 refs.)

Although parents experience growing concerns about their children's excessive internet use, little is known about the role parents can play to prevent their children from developing Compulsive Internet Use (CIU). The present study addresses associations between internet-specific parenting practices and CIU among adolescents, as well as the bidirectionality of these associations. Two studies were conducted: a cross-sectional study using a representative sample of 4,483 Dutch students and a longitudinal study using a self-selected sample of 510 Dutch adolescents. Results suggest that qualitatively good communication regarding internet use is a promising tool for parents to prevent their teenage children from developing CIU. Besides, parental reactions to excessive internet use and parental rules regarding the content of internet use may help prevent CIU. Strict rules about time of internet use, however, may promote compulsive tendencies. Finally, one opposite link was found whereby CIU predicted a decrease in frequency of parental communication regarding internet use.

Sodano R; Wulfert E. Cue reactivity in active pathological, abstinent pathological, and regular gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(1): 53-65, 2010. (41 refs.)

Twenty-one treatment-seeking pathological gamblers, 21 pathological gamblers in recovery, and 21 recreational gamblers watched two video-taped exciting gambling scenarios and an exciting roller-coaster control scenario while their arousal (heart rate and subjective excitement) and urge to gamble were being measured. The gamblers did not differ significantly in cue-elicited heart rate elevations or excitement. However, the active pathological gamblers reported significantly greater urges to gamble across all cues compared to the abstinent pathological gamblers and, with marginal significance (p = 0.06), also compared to the social gamblers. Further exploration of these findings revealed that active pathological gamblers experience urges to gamble in response to exciting situations, whether or not they are gambling related, whereas abstinent and social gamblers only report urges to an exciting gambling-related cue. This suggests that for pathological gamblers excitement itself, irrespective of its source, may become a conditioned stimulus capable of triggering gambling behavior. Implications for treatment and future research are discussed.

Stevens M; Young M. Who plays what? Participation profiles in chance versus skill-based gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(1): 89-103, 2010. (34 refs.)

To determine whether gambling participation falls into skill and chance-based categories and, if so, to determine the socio-demographic characteristics associated with these different categories. A cross-sectional analysis of all respondents to the 2005 Northern Territory Gambling Prevalence Survey who gambled in the 12 months prior to the survey. Factor analysis was employed to determine whether a chance versus skill-based dichotomy described the structure of gambling participation. Gambler preference groups were constructed using the median of rotated factor scores. Multinomial logit regression was then used to determine independent associations between explanatory variables and categories of gambler preferences. The skill and chance-based dichotomy did describe player preferences for the sample of adult gamblers in the Northern Territory, Australia. Gender, age, household income, household structure and the geographic location (access to gambling opportunities) of respondents were all associated with different degrees of participation in skill and chance based gambling activities. Notably, respondents 35 years and over were significantly over-represented in the low-skill/high-chance participation group, and under-represented in the high-skill/low-chance group. It is clear that the term gambling is a confounding rubric that hides differences both in the type of activity and the socio-demographic profiles of participants. An examination of the latter raises important questions about the role of chance in later life, as well as the role of self-determination in gambling for other groups, particularly younger men.

Suurvali H; Hodgins DC; Cunningham JA. Motivators for resolving or seeking help for gambling problems: A review of the empirical literature. (review). Journal of Gambling Studies 26(1): 1-33, 2010. (43 refs.)

This literature review summarizes recent empirical research on the reasons disordered gamblers try, through treatment or otherwise, to resolve or reduce their gambling problems. Relevant databases and bibliographies were searched for English-language studies, published since 1998, that asked gamblers themselves about motivators for action. Found were ten studies addressing reasons for trying to resolve or reduce gambling problems, five addressing reasons for seeking help and four addressing reasons for requesting self-exclusion from casinos. Help-seeking occurred largely in response to gambling-related harms (especially financial problems, relationship issues and negative emotions) that had already happened or that were imminent. Resolution was often motivated by the same kinds of harms but evaluation/decision-making and changes in lifestyle or environment played a more prominent role. Self-exclusion was motivated by harms, evaluation/decision-making and a wish to regain control. Awareness and educational materials could incorporate messages that might encourage heavy gamblers to make changes before harms became too great. Intervention development could also benefit from more research on the motivators leading to successful (vs. failed) resolution, as well as on the ways in which disordered gamblers are able to overcome specific barriers to seeking help or reaching resolution.

Tang CSK; Wu AMS; Tang JYC; Yan ECW. Reliability, validity, and cut scores of the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) for Chinese. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(1): 145-158, 2010. (22 refs.)

We examined the reliability, validity, and classification accuracy of the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) when adopted for use in Chinese. The DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling served as the standard against which the classification accuracy of the SOGS was tested. A total of 283 Chinese adults in the community and 94 Chinese treatment-seeking gamblers were recruited. The internal reliability of the SOGS was satisfactory for the general sample and acceptable for the gambling sample. The SOGS was correlated with the DSM-IV criteria items as well as psychosocial and gambling-related problems. Relative to the DSM-IV criteria, the SOGS tended to overestimate the number of pathological gamblers in both samples. In general, we were relatively confident that individuals were not pathological gamblers if the SOGS scores were between 0 and 4 and were pathological gamblers if the SOGS were between 11 and 20. There was about 50-50 chance of being pathological gamblers if the SOGS scores were between 8 and 10. However, the probability of individuals being pathological gamblers was about 0.30 if the SOGS scores were between 5 and 7. We proposed a SOGS cut score of 8 to screen for probable pathological gambling in Chinese societies.

Turel O; Serenko A. Is mobile email addiction overlooked? Communications OF THE ACM 53(5): 41-43, 2010. (11 refs.)

Mobile email addiction is a form of non-substance addiction that involves excessive interaction with both a mobile technology (mobile device) and the content (electronic communication) under conditions of psychological dependency. It can be viewed as a special type of a broader Internet addiction, as the latter concept involves excessive email messaging (but also other behaviors such as excessive gaming and sexual preoccupation).2 The ubiquitous nature of mobile email technologies can facilitate and augment excessive email preoccupation, which is no longer restricted to one's office but rather could be done anytime and from anywhere. Among the symptoms identified include:compromising quality of life; annoyance if interupted later followed by a sense of shame; preference to using mobile devise rather than interacting with friends or family; neglect of family and home duties; serves as a "safe haven" to escape more mundane tasks. It is noted that there are two perspectives on the addictive nature of techonologies. In brief one is the "broad" view, that in many ways they can resemble substance addictions. The other is the "narrow" view that preoccupation with technology is present only in a narrow spectrum of behaviors, such as gambling, and that what is identified as technology addiction is a result of other mental disorders, such as impulse control. The results of a survey are presented suggesting mobile phone email is a more prevalent problem that has been recognized. Conclusion: Given the empirically demonstrated potential pervasiveness of mobile email addiction, and extrapolating from existing frameworks for preventing Internet abuse and overuse-it is suggested that organizations employing mobile email monitor the extent to which their employees utilize this technology for early detection of addiction, control the usage as necessary (limit usage hours), educate employees and managers about addiction risks when distributing mobile email devices, and develop appropriate policies for mitigating future legal risks.

Wickwire EM; Whelan JP; Meyers AW. Outcome expectancies and gambling behavior among urban adolescents. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors 24(1): 75-88, 2010. (64 refs.)

This project sought to identify adolescent outcome expectancies for gambling and to evaluate their relation to gambling behavior among a sample of urban adolescents. In a preliminary study, 50 outcome expectancies were identified on the basis of a literature review or generated after surveying 35 urban high school students. These expectancies were then administered to 1,076 urban high school students. Rates of at-risk and problem gambling were 14.6% and 12.7%, respectively. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed on randomly selected halves of the sample and identified 5 expectancy domains. In a structural equation model, material gain, negative affect, and positive self-evaluation displayed significant positive relations, and negative social consequences and parent disapproval displayed significant negative relations, to gambling behavior. The model explained 48% of the variance in gambling problems and 58% of the variance in gambling frequency. These results demonstrate the salience of gambling-related cognitions in understanding the gambling behavior among these at-risk youth and suggest that expectancies may be important prevention targets for this population.

Ko CH; Hsiao S; Liu GC; Yen JY; Yang MJ; Yen CF. The characteristics of decision making, potential to take risks, and personality of college students with Internet addiction. Psychiatry Research 175(1-2): 121-125, 2010. (38 refs.)

This study aimed to identify risk factors involved in Internet addiction. A total of 216 college students (132 males and 84 females) were given the following: (a) the diagnostic interview for Internet addiction, (b) the Iowa gambling test for decision-making deficits, (c) the Balloon Analog Risk Test (BART) to assess risk-taking tendencies, and (d) the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ) for personality characteristics. The results revealed the following: (a) 49% of males and 17% of females were addicted, (b) the addicted students tended to select more advantageous cards in the last 40 cards of the Iowa test, indicating better decision making, (c) no difference was found for the BART, indicating that addicted subjects were not more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors and (d) TPQ scores showed lower reward dependence (RD) and higher novelty seeking (NS) for the addicts. Their higher performance on the Iowa gambling test differentiates the Internet addiction group from the substance use and pathologic gambling groups that have been shown to be deficient in decision making on the Iowa test. Thus, students that fit these characteristics should be closely monitored to prevent Internet addiction.

Afifi TO; Cox BJ; Martens PJ; Sareen J; Enns MW. Demographic and social variables associated with problem gambling among men and women in Canada. Psychiatry Research 178(2): 395-400, 2010. (49 refs.)

Knowledge of demographic and social correlates of problem gambling among men and women in general population samples is limited. Such research is important for identifying individuals who may become problem gamblers. The current research used a gender-stratified analysis using logistic regression models in a nationally representative sample to identify correlates of problem gambling among men and women. Data were from the Canadian Community Health Survey Cycle 1.2 (CCHS 1.2; data collected in 2002; response rate 77%). The 12-month prevalence of problem gambling among men and women who endorsed gambling in the past year was 4.9% and 2.7%, respectively. For women, increased odds of problem gambling was associated with middle age, middle to low levels of income, a high school diploma or less, being never-married, higher levels of life stress, and negative coping abilities. For men, being aged 70 or greater decreased the odds of problem gambling, while being separated, widowed, or divorced, lower levels of social support, and negative coping abilities increased the odds of problem gambling. These findings have important public health implications for identifying men and women who may be more likely to become problem gamblers in the general population.

Benton D. The plausibility of sugar addiction and its role in obesity and eating disorders. (review). Clinical Nutrition 29(3): 288-303, 2010. (156 refs.)

Background & aims: To consider the hypothesis that addiction to food, or more specifically sucrose, plays a role in obesity and eating disorders. Methods: By considering the relevant literature a series of predictions were examined, derived from the hypothesis that addiction to sucrose consumption can develop. Fasting should increase food cravings, predominantly for sweet items; cravings should occur after an overnight fast; the obese should find sweetness particularly attractive; a high-sugar consumption should predispose to obesity. More specifically predictions based on the hypothesis that addiction to sugar is central to bingeing disorders were developed. Dieting should predate the development of bingeing; dietary style rather than psychological, social and economic factors should be predispose to eating disorders; sweet items should be preferentially consumed while bingeing; opioid antagonists should cause withdrawal symptoms; bingeing should develop at a younger age when there is a greater preference for sweetness. Results: The above predications have in common that on no occasion was the behaviour predicted by an animal model of sucrose addiction supported by human studies. Conclusion: There is no support from the human literature for the hypothesis that sucrose may be physically addictive or that addiction to sugar plays a role in eating disorders.

Brezing C; Derevensky JL; Potenza MN. Non-substance-addictive behaviors in youth: Pathological gambling and problematic internet use. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America 19(3): 625-+, 2010. (130 refs.)

Adolescence is characterized by participation in multiple novel and potentially risky behaviors. Amongst these behaviors are gambling and use of the Internet, and excessive engagement in these activities (as seen in pathological gambling and problematic Internet use) may be accompanied by serious impairments in school, mental health, and social functioning. This article reviews the potential impact of pathological gambling and problematic Internet use in youth, the relevance of subsyndromal levels of participation, and how prevention and treatment strategies may be considered and tested within a developmental framework.

Canan F; Ataoglu A; Nichols LA; Yildirim T; Ozturk O. Evaluation of psychometric properties of the Internet Addiction Scale in a sample of Turkish high school students. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking 13(3): 317-320, 2010. (34 refs.)

The Internet Addiction Scale (IAS) is a self-report instrument based on the seven substance dependence criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed., American Psychiatric Association, 1994) and two additional criteria recommended by Griffiths. The IAS was administered to 300 high school students along with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Submissive Acts Scale (SAS). For test-retest reliability, the IAS was administered a second time 7 days after the first administration. An interitem reliability reduced the initial scale from 31 to 27 items (with Cronbach's alpha of 0.94). The factor analysis suggests the existence mainly of one factor in the IAS. Correlation analyses indicated that BDI and SAS were significantly correlated positively with the IAS. One-week test-retest correlation for the IAS was highly significant. According to these results, the psychometric properties of the IAS are promising.

Ceyhan AA. Comment on Kesici and Sahin (2009): Measurement of negative consequences of internet use. Psychological Reports 106(3): 939-940, 2010. (8 refs.)

In an ongoing discussion regarding use of the concept of Internet addiction, it does not seem reasonable to use the concept in studies which are conducted in nonclinical settings and describe negative situations experienced by the general population during Internet use. It may be more appropriate to discuss problematic Internet use. Dimensional rather than categorical measures would be more appropriate than Young's diagnostic criteria alone to specify whether Internet use is within a healthy range.

Cilia R; Ko JH; Cho SS; van Eimeren T; Marotta G; Pellecchia G et al. Reduced dopamine transporter density in the ventral striatum of patients with Parkinson's disease and pathological gambling. Neurobiology of Disease 39(1, special issue): 98-104, 2010. (47 refs.)

Pathological gambling (PG) represents a behavioral side effect of dopamine replacement therapy in a minority of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Using striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) with single photon emission tomography we assessed presynaptic dopaminergic function in 8 PD patients with PG, 21 matched PD control subjects, and 14 healthy subjects. Statistical Parametric Mapping was applied for image analysis. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the three groups differed in dorsal and ventral striata bilaterally. The post-hoc analysis displayed a reduced tracer binding in the ventral striatum of PD patients with PG compared to PD controls, possibly reflecting either a reduction of mesolimbic projections or, alternatively, a lower membrane DAT expression on presynaptic terminals. The latter hypothesis is most likely given that the functional reduction of presynaptic reuptake would be more consistent with the increased dopamine levels in the ventral striatum recently reported in PD gamblers.

Elman I; Tschibelu E; Borsook D. Psychosocial stress and its relationship to gambling urges in individuals with pathological gambling. American Journal on Addictions 19(4): 332-339, 2010. (71 refs.)

We sought to explore a potential link between psychosocial stress exposure and pathological gambling (PG). Patients with PG displayed significantly higher scores on the daily stress inventory (DSI) than did healthy subjects. PG patients also displayed other heightened measures of stress, including the profile of mood states, the Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory, the Hamilton rating scale for depression and the Beck depression inventory. Multiple regression analysis revealed that only the DSI impact score was an independent predictor of gambling urges. These findings support the role of psychosocial stress in the course of PG and suggest that the former association with the urge to gamble is relatively specific to stressful events assessed with the DSI.

Finlay K; Marmurek HHC; Kanetkar V; Londerville J. Casino decor effects on gambling emotions and intentions. Environment and Behavior 42(4): 524-545, 2010. (36 refs.)

A sample of 484 gamblers (241 males) viewed simulations of casino settings varying in their macro design (playground vs. gaming) and their micro decor elements (lighting, human crowding, color, machine clustering, and layout symmetry). The decor element levels were manipulated to reflect information load (e.g., flashing lights afford more information than do static lights). The participants provided three measures for each simulation: at-risk gambling intention, pleasure, and restoration. Overall, the playground design and females yielded higher scores on each measure than did the gaming design and males. Also, the relationship between pleasure and at-risk gambling intention was fully mediated by restoration. The effects of information load on the three dependent measures were complex as they depended on the macro design and the gender of the participant. These results are discussed within a framework where affect and cognition mediate atmospheric effects on gambling.

Fu KW; Chan WSC; Wong PWC; Yip PSF. Internet addiction: Prevalence, discriminant validity and correlates among adolescents in Hong Kong. British Journal of Psychiatry 196(6): 486-492, 2010. (41 refs.)

Background: Despite increasing concern over the potential adverse effects of excessive internet use, especially in young people, there is some debate over its definition, magnitude and discriminant validity. Aims: To examine the prevalence of adolescents' internet addiction in Hong Kong, China; to test its differentiation from other correlates; and to examine its relationships with correlates in a representative community sample of adolescents. Method: A two-wave panel household survey with 208 adolescents (aged 15-19 years) was conducted. Participants were asked to self-report their patterns of internet usage, symptoms of internet addiction, suicidal ideation, psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial conditions during the study period. Results: The prevalence rate for having five or more symptoms of internet addiction was estimated to be 6.7% (95% CI 3.3-10.2). The discriminatory characteristic of internet addiction was marginally demonstrated. Positive dose response relationships were found between the number of symptoms of internet addiction and 1-year changes in scores for suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms. Conclusions Evidence supports the specificity of internet addiction and its symptoms seem to co-occur with individuals' suicidal ideation and depressive symptoms.

Jadlow JW; Mowen JC. Comparing the traits of stock market investors and gamblers. Journal of Behavioral Finance 11(2): 67-81, 2010. (53 refs.)

The goal of this research is to investigate to what extent gamblers and stock investors share similar characteristics. Using survey data, a hierarchical model of personality is employed to compare the traits of gamblers and investors. The results reveal that gamblers and investors share five trait characteristics and differ on three traits. Cluster analysis supports the proposal that gamblers and investors can be divided into four groups that differ across the personality traits. As a result, divergent communication strategies should be used to influence each group's propensity to invest and/or to gamble.

Kesici S; Sahin I. Turkish adaptation study of Internet Addiction Scale. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking 13(2): 185-189, 2010. (20 refs.)

The purpose of this study was to adapt the Internet Addiction Scale (IAS) for Turkish-language use and test the validity and reliability of the scale. This study was conducted in four phases: (a) translation, (b) validity and reliability, (c) discriminant validity, and (d) test-retest reliability of the IAS. To examine language equivalence, both Turkish and original versions of the IAS were administered to students studying English-language education. Since the questionnaire has high levels of language equivalence, validity and reliability studies were conducted. To determine construct validity, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were employed. To ascertain reliability, internal consistency and test-retest analysis were conducted. Results demonstrate that the Turkish version of the IAS is a valid and reliable measure.

Liu YJ; von Deneen KM; Kobeissy FH; Gold MS. Food addiction and obesity: Evidence from bench to bedside. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 42(2): 133-145, 2010. (146 refs.)

Obesity has become a major health problem and epidemic. However, much of the current debate has been fractious and etiologies of obesity have been attributed to eating behavior or fast food, personality issues, depression, addiction, or genetics. One of the interesting new hypotheses for epidemic obesity is food addiction, which is associated with both substance-related disorder and eating disorder. Accumulating evidences have shown that there are many shared neural and hormonal pathways as well as distinct differences that may help researchers find why certain individuals overeat and become obese. Functional neuroimaging studies have further revealed that good or great smelling, looking, tasting, and reinforcing food has characteristics similar to that of drugs of abuse. Many of the brain changes reported for hedonic eating and obesity are also seen in various forms of addictions. Most importantly, overeating and obesity may have an acquired drive like drug addiction with respect to motivation and incentive; craving, wanting, and liking occur after early and repeated exposures to stimuli. The acquired drive for great food and relative weakness of the satiety signal would cause an imbalance between the drive and hunger/reward centers in the brain and their regulation.

Lozano P; McPhillips HA; Hartzler B; Robertson AS; Runkle C; Scholz KA et al. Randomized trial of teaching brief motivational interviewing to pediatrics trainees to promote healthy behaviors in families. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine 164(6): 561-566, 2010. (51 refs.)

Hypothesis: That pediatric resident trainees would demonstrate increased counseling skill following training in brief motivational interviewing (MI). Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: University of Washington Pediatric Residency. Participants: Pediatric residents (N=18), including residents in postgraduate years 1, 2, 3, and 4. Interventions: Collaborative Management in Pediatrics, a 9-hour behavior change curriculum based on brief MI plus written feedback on communication skills (based on a 3-month Objective Standardized Clinical Evaluation [OSCE]). Main Outcome Measure: The percentage of MI-consistent behavior (%MICO), a summary score for MI skill, was assessed via OSCEs in which standardized patients portray parents of children with asthma in 3 clinical scenarios (stations). The OSCEs were conducted at baseline and 3 and 7 months. Blinded coders rated videotaped OSCEs using a validated tool to tally communication behaviors. Training effects were assessed using linear regression controlling for baseline %MICO. Global ratings of counseling style served as secondary outcome measures. Results: Trained residents demonstrated a trend toward increased skill (%MICO score) at 3 months compared with control residents. At 7 months, %MICO scores increased 16% to 20% (P<.02) across all OSCE stations after the combined intervention of Collaborative Management in Pediatrics training plus written feedback. The effect of training on global ratings supported the main findings. Conclusions: Pediatric trainees' skills in behavior change counseling improved following the combination of training in brief MI plus personalized feedback.

McBride O; Adamson G; Shevlin M. A latent class analysis of DSM-IV pathological gambling criteria in a nationally representative British sample. Psychiatry Research 178(2): 401-407, 2010. (57 refs.)

This study identified empirically derived subtypes of gamblers based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV (DSM-IV) diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling disorder (PGD). Data from the gamblers (n = 5644) who participated in the 2007 British Gambling Prevalence Survey (BGPS) were analysed using latent class analysis. Common socio-demographic correlates of PGD were subsequently assessed across the classes. Three distinct groups or classes of gamblers emerged. The majority of the sample (88.9%) was assigned to a 'non-problematic gambler' class. A second 'preoccupied chaser' class contained a significant percentage of gamblers (9.7%) who reported symptoms such as a preoccupation with gambling and engaging in chasing loses. Approximately 1.4% of gamblers were classified into an 'antisocial impulsivist gambler' class. Males, non-Whites and smokers were all more likely to be preoccupied chasers or antisocial impulsivist gamblers, rather than non-problematic gamblers. The current findings revealed that the gambling subtypes identified in the 2007 BGPS largely differed in relation to the severity, rather than the type, of symptoms experienced. These findings present a useful and clinically meaningful typology of individuals with PGD that may be examined further in both research and clinical settings.

Mehroof M; Griffiths MD. Online gaming addiction: The role of sensation seeking, self-control, neuroticism, aggression, state anxiety, and trait anxiety. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking 13(3): 313-316, 2010. (29 refs.)

Research into online gaming has steadily increased over the last decade, although relatively little research has examined the relationship between online gaming addiction and personality factors. This study examined the relationship between a number of personality traits (sensation seeking, self-control, aggression, neuroticism, state anxiety, and trait anxiety) and online gaming addiction. Data were collected over a 1-month period using an opportunity sample of 123 university students at an East Midlands university in the United Kingdom. Gamers completed all the online questionnaires. Results of a multiple linear regression indicated that five traits (neuroticism, sensation seeking, trait anxiety, state anxiety, and aggression) displayed significant associations with online gaming addiction. The study suggests that certain personality traits may be important in the acquisition, development, and maintenance of online gaming addiction, although further research is needed to replicate the findings of the present study.

Paul RJ; Weinbach AP. The determinants of betting volume for sports in North America: Evidence of sports betting as consumption in the NBA and NHL. International Journal of Sport Finance 5(2): 128-140, 2010. (19 refs.)

The National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Hockey League (NHL) are studied to ascertain the determinants of betting volume on an individual game-to-game basis. Actual betting volume was obtained and aggregated across three on-line sportsbooks for the 2008-09 season. Independent variables such as the quality of teams, television coverage by network, day of the week, time of day, month of the season, etc. are included in a regression model to determine the factors that influence betting volume. The results reveal betting behavior is much like fan behavior as key fan-attributes, such as the quality of teams and the availability of television coverage, are shown to have a positive and significant effect on betting volume. The results imply that consumption plays a major role in the decision to gamble on sports. Pure investment-based gambling appears to be the exception, rather than the norm. The implication of this result as it relates to models of sportsbook behavior is explored.

Peng W; Liu M. Online gaming dependency: A preliminary study in China. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking 13(3): 329-333, 2010. (29 refs.)

Based on theories and previous studies on problematic Internet use, we propose a model to better understand the contributors to and consequences of online gaming dependency. A preliminary study was conducted through a survey of online gamers in China. The results of path analysis found that maladaptive cognitions, shyness, and depression are positively related to online gaming dependency. Online gaming dependency was also positively related to different types of negative life outcomes. The findings of this study have implications for the prevention and treatment of addictive online gaming.

Rehbein F; Psych G; Kleimann M; Mediasci G; Mossle T. Prevalence and risk factors of video game dependency in adolescence: results of a German nationwide survey. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking 13(3): 269-277, 2010. (26 refs.)

In this article, results of a German nationwide survey (KFN schools survey 2007/2008) are presented. The controlled sample of 44,610 male and female ninth-graders was carried out in 2007 and 2008 by the Criminological Research Institute of Lower Saxony (KFN). According to a newly developed screening instrument (KFN-CSAS-II), which was presented to every third juvenile participant (N = 15,168), 3% of the male and 0.3% of the female students are diagnosed as dependent on video games. The data indicate a clear dividing line between extensive gaming and video game dependency (VGD) as a clinically relevant phenomenon. VGD is accompanied by increased levels of psychological and social stress in the form of lower school achievement, increased truancy, reduced sleep time, limited leisure activities, and increased thoughts of committing suicide. In addition, it becomes evident that personal risk factors are crucial for VGD. The findings indicate the necessity of additional research as well as the respective measures in the field of health care policies.

Slutske WS; Zhu G; Meier MH; Martin NG. Genetic and environmental influences on disordered gambling in men and women. Archives of General Psychiatry 67(6): 624-630, 2010. (50 refs.)

Context: Women now represent nearly half of all individuals in treatment for pathological gambling (PG), but relatively little is known about the causes of PG among women or potential sex differences in the causes of PG. Objectives: To (1) investigate the role of genetic and environmental risk factors in the development of disordered gambling (DG) among women and (2) determine the extent to which the genetic and environmental risk of DG among women differs quantitatively or qualitatively from the risk of DG among men. (Disordered gambling refers to the full continuum of gambling-related problems that includes PG disorder.) Design: Twin study. Setting: The national community-based Australian Twin Registry. Participants: Four thousand seven hundred sixty-four individuals from 2889 twin pairs; twins were aged 32 to 43 years and 57% were women. Main Outcome Measure: Disordered gambling was defined based on lifetime DSM-IV PG symptom counts. Results: The estimate of the proportion of variation in liability for DG due to genetic influences was 49.2% (95% confidence interval, 26.7-60.9). There was no evidence for shared environmental influences contributing to variation in DG liability. There was no evidence for quantitative or qualitative sex differences in the causes of variation in DG liability. Conclusions: This study establishes for the first time that genes are as important in the etiology of DG in women as they are in men and that the susceptibility genes contributing to variation in liability for DG are likely to overlap considerably in men and women.

Thomas NJ; Martin FH. Video-arcade game, computer game and Internet activities of Australian students: Participation habits and prevalence of addiction. Australian Journal of Psychology 62(2): 59-66, 2010. (36 refs.)

The aim of the present study was to investigate participation habits and prevalence of addiction among Australian university and school students to video-arcade games, computer games, and the Internet. A sample of 1,326 (657 female) students from rural and urban Tasmanian schools (Grades 7-12) and 705 (509 female) university students took part in the study. Lifetime participation and the frequency and duration of time that students spent online were higher than that reported in previous research on youth. A lower percentage of students met the modified criteria for addiction to video-arcade games (4.2%), computer games (5%) and the Internet (4.6%) compared to previous studies, but the prevalence of social computer game users (55.2%) and Internet addiction (58.9%) was higher than that reported by past researchers.

van Rooij AJ; Schoenmakers TM; van de Eijnden RJJM; van de Mheen D. Compulsive internet use: The role of online gaming and other internet applications. Journal of Adolescent Health 47(1): 51-57, 2010. (21 refs.)

Purpose: Increasing research on Internet addiction makes it necessary to distinguish between the medium of Internet and its specific applications. This study explores the relationship between time spent on various Internet applications (including online gaming) and Compulsive Internet Use in a large sample of adolescents. Methods: The 2007 (N = 4,920) and 2008 (N = 4,753) samples of a longitudinal survey study among adolescents were used, as well as the 2007-2008 cohort subsample (N = 1421). Compulsive Internet Use was predicted from the time spent on the various Internet applications in two cross-sectional multiple linear regression models and one longitudinal regression model in which changes in behavior were related to changes in Compulsive Internet Use. Results: In both samples, downloading, social networking, MSN use, Habbo Hotel, chatting, blogging, online games, and casual games were shown to be associated with Compulsive Internet Use. Off these, online gaming was shown to have the strongest association with Compulsive Internet Use. Moreover, changes in online gaming were most strongly associated with changes in Compulsive Internet Use over time for the longitudinal cohort. Conclusions: A clear relationship was shown between online gaming and Compulsive Internet Use. It is further argued that a subgroup of compulsive Internet users should be classified as compulsive online gamers.

Wilson K; Fornasier S; White KM. Psychological predictors of young adults' use of social networking sites. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking 13(2): 173-177, 2010. (29 refs.)

Young people are increasingly using social networking sites (SNSs) like MySpace and Facebook to engage with others. The use of SNSs can have both positive and negative effects on the individual; however, few studies identify the types of people who frequent these Internet sites. This study sought to predict young adults' use of SNSs and addictive tendency toward the use of SNSs from their personality characteristics and levels of self-esteem. University students (N = 201), aged 17 to 24 years, reported their use of SNSs and addictive tendencies for SNSs use and completed the NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory(1) and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory.(2) Multiple regression analyses revealed that, as a group, the personality and self-esteem factors significantly predicted both level of SNS use and addictive tendency but did not explain a large amount of variance in either outcome measure. The findings indicated that extroverted and unconscientious individuals reported higher levels of both SNS use and addictive tendencies. Future research should attempt to identify which other psychosocial characteristics explain young people's level of use and propensity for addictive tendencies for these popular Internet sites.

Kelleci M; Inal S. Psychiatric symptoms in adolescents with internet use comparison without internet use. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking 13(2): 191-194, 2010. (31 refs.)

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the psychiatric symptoms of adolescents with and without Internet use. A total of 2,080 students (1,105 male, 975 female) were recruited for the study. We administered the Symptom Checklist-90-Revision and Questions Related to Internet Use. Students in 10th through 12th grades were recruited from 14 senior high schools in Sivas, Turkey. Data were collected from October to May 2008. Data were analyzed after excluding the participants who provided incomplete data. It was found that Internet use in adolescents was associated with more severe psychiatric symptoms. Attention should be devoted to adolescents with Internet use for the design of preventive strategies.

Ceyhan E. Predictiveness of identity status, main internet use purposes and gender on university students' problematic internet Use. Educational Science: Theory & Practice 10(3): 1343-1355, 2010. (45 refs.)

This study aims at revealing the relationships between the problematic Internet use of university students and their identity status, main Internet use purposes, and gender. A total of 464 university students participated in the study, and the research data were collected through the Problematic Internet Use Scale, the Extended Objective Measure of Ego Identity Status, and the Information Questionnaire. The results of the analyses carried out with hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the most important predictor of the problematic Internet use was the use of the Internet for the purpose of "establishing social relationships with unfamiliar people. "In addition, it was found that the problematic Internet use was significantly predicted by "identity moratorium status", "identity achievement status" (negatively), the Internet use for "entertainment" purposes, and the Internet use for the purpose of "establishing relationships with friends and relatives", respectively. These findings show that, in general, the Internet use purpose and the identity status are important determiners in problematic Internet use. For this reason, taking the Internet motives of individuals and their identity status into account contributes to guidance and counseling services for the prevention of unhealthy Internet use and future researches.

Kelley KJ; Gruber EM. Psychometric properties of the Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire. Computers In Human Behavior 26(6): 1838-1845, 2010. (36 refs.)

Several instruments have been designed to measure problems associated with excessive, compulsive, or addictive use of the Internet. One such instrument, the 18-item Problematic Internet Use Questionnaire, was recently published with data supporting a three subscale model (Demetrovics et al., 2008). These researches utilized an online format with a sample taken from the general population of Hungary. We utilized an American college student sample and a paper and pencil format to perform a confirmatory factor analysis of the PIUQ. In addition, we examined the reliability and construct validity of the PIUQ by examining the scales' relationship with several indices of psychological and physical health. CFA results indicate a barely adequate and not completely problem free three factor model for the PIUQ (chi(2) = 477.40; root mean square error = .097; comparative fit index = .831; Tucker Lewis coefficient = .804). Cronbach's a for the total scale was .91 while the Cronbach's a for each subscale were .81, .77, and .79. Construct validity for the model is demonstrated with significant correlations between the subscales and several indices of psychological and physical health. Suggestions for further research are provided.

Lejoyeux M; Weinstein A. Compulsive buying. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse 36(5): 248-253, 2010. (52 refs.)

Background: Compulsive buying is a chronic, repetitive purchasing that becomes a primary response to negative events and feelings, and may include symptoms equivalent to craving and withdrawal. Objectives: This article describes the addictive characteristics of compulsive buying, the psychiatric comorbidity, and the possibilities of treatment. Methods: Using PubMed and MedLine search engines, we performed a review of published literature over the period 1990-2010 using the keyword "compulsive buying". Results: A key feature distinguishing compulsive buyers from normal consumers, collectors, and hoarders is that the former focuses on the buying process itself, rather than the items bought. In this instance, the purchased items are usually never used, but tend to be hidden or thrown away. A recent screening study found that up to 5% of adult Americans appear to be afflicted with this compulsion. Compulsive buying results in adverse consequences, including financial and legal problems, psychological distress (depression, guilt), and interpersonal conflict. The most commonly associated comorbidities are depression and eating disorders. Nothing is known about the neurobiology and genetics of compulsive buying and relatively little about its treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy has some efficacy, but no medication has been effective in controlled trials. Conclusions: Compulsive buying can be described as a behavioral dependence. A great deal of future research is needed to improve our understanding of compulsive buying.

Montag C; Jurkiewicz M; Reuter M. Low self-directedness is a better predictor for problematic internet use than high neuroticism. Computers In Human Behavior 26(6): 1531-1535, 2010. (30 refs.)

The classification of internet addiction as a distinct diagnosis in the upcoming DSM-V is currently under debate. Nevertheless, before this issue is resolved, there are important related questions in the field of Internet addiction that are in need of an answer, e.g. which personality dimensions may predispose towards problematic internet use. One such factor seems to be neuroticism. However, a sole factor like neuroticism alone is not very useful with respect to generating implications for behavior therapy and treatment of afflicted patients, because it includes too many facets of negative personality traits ranging from shyness to anxiety. Therefore, in this study we aimed to measure the grade of problematic internet use with the internet addiction test (IAT); moreover, we measured personality with Eysenck's Personality Questionnaire (EPQ-R) and with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). In addition to the EPQ-R, the TCI provides further information with respect to which facets of personality are associated with problematic internet use. In N = 201 participants, we found that self-directedness is a better predictor than neuroticism for problematic Internet use. Moreover, the time spent online in leisure activities was a significant predictor for a high IAT score. Implications for behavior therapy are discussed.

Auger N; Lo E; Cantinotti M; O'Loughlin J. Impulsivity and socio-economic status interact to increase the risk of gambling onset among youth. Addiction 105(12): 2176-2183, 2010. (61 refs.)

Aims: To determine if impulsivity and socio-economic status (SES) interact to influence gambling onset in youth. Design: Longitudinal study of grade 7 students followed for 8 years. Setting: Montreal, Canada. Participants: A total of 628 adult students aged 12.6 years on average at cohort inception. Measurements: Impulsivity and SES (parent education, area deprivation) were collected during secondary school. Age of gambling onset was collected retrospectively when participants were aged 20.3 years. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to model the association between time to first report of gambling and interaction terms for each of impulsivity and parent education, and impulsivity and area deprivation accounting for sex and ethnicity. Findings: Median (interquartile range) age of gambling onset was 17.0 (4.0) years. Impulsivity independently increased the risk of gambling onset among participants with no university-educated parent [hazard ratio (HR) 1.3; 95% confidence interval 1.1-1.5] and those living in highly deprived areas (HR 1.7; 1.5-2.0). Impulsivity was not associated with gambling onset among high SES youth. Among participants with high impulsivity, risks were elevated for those with no university-educated parent relative to one or more university-educated parent (HR 1.7; 1.1-2.7), and for participants living in deprived relative to advantaged areas (HR 5.0; 2.6-9.6). SES was not associated with gambling onset among participants with low impulsivity. Conclusions: Impulsivity is a risk factor for gambling onset among low but not high SES youth, and low SES influences gambling onset primarily among impulsive youth. Gambling prevention programmes may need to consider potential interaction between impulsivity and SES.

Blaszczynski A; Nower L. Instrumental tool or drug: Relationship between attitudes to money and problem gambling. Addiction Research & Theory 18(6): 681-691, 2010. (26 refs.)

Few studies have explored gamblers' attitudes towards money despite the central role money plays in the development and maintenance of problem gambling (PG) behaviours. This study explored attitudinal differences towards money among subgroups of electronic gaming machine players (n = 127) using the framework advanced by Lea and Webley [2006. Money as tool, money as drug: The biological psychology of a strong incentive. Behavioral and Brain Sciences 29: 161-209]: the Tool Theory, in which money functions instrumentally as a means of obtaining certain commodities, and the Drug Theory, in which money is considered to exert action at a neurochemical level to produce reinforcing effects similar to drug use. Findings provided preliminary support for the Drug Theory in PG. In contrast to non-problem gamblers, problem gamblers reported significant obsessions with money as an important indicator of prestige, power and means of acquiring wealth. At the same time, however, problem gamblers endorsed high levels of anxiety over money, both in regard to worrying about money and viewing money as a way to reduce anxiety. The study also provided limited support for the hypothesis that non-problem gamblers were more likely to gamble to combat perceived inadequacy in providing for their families (i.e. Tool Theory), although differences in univariate analyses were not sustained in logistic regression analyses.

Bosetti L. Three questions on prosthetic technology and A-(d)diction. Paragraph 33(3): 410-422, 2010. (15 refs.)

This article takes a clinical perspective on the phenomenon of addiction in order to open up wider questions of the posthuman. The author identifies two distinct drives, prosthesis (which pertains to technological enhancement in general) and addiction itself (which specifically pertains to the chemical prosthesis of the drug). It is pointed out that both drives share a common distance from the mediation of language and address directly, without the support of fantasy, the real of the body. However, the two drives are distinct in that the prosthetic drive lends itself to social control (it can be instrumentalized by the Other) whereas the addictive drive constitutes a pathological limit to socialization (it is ultimately an ethics of jouissance in defiance of the Other). The final section of the article characterizes the various clinical responses to addiction as simultaneously political responses to the rise of the prosthetic drives in the context of late capitalism.

Brunborg GS; Johnsen BH; Pallesen S; Molde H; Mentzoni RA; Myrseth H. The relationship between aversive conditioning and risk-avoidance in gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(4): 545-559, 2010. (58 refs.)

This study investigated the relationship between aversive conditioning, heart rate variability suppression, behavioral activation system/behavioral inhibition system and risk-avoidance on the Iowa gambling task (IGT) in a nonclinical sample (29 male, 29 female, mean age = 20.7). A laboratory based Pavlovian aversive conditioning paradigm was used where a 1500 Hz tone (CS+) was followed by a burst of loud white noise (US), and a 850 Hz (CS-) tone was never followed by the US. In a subsequent extinction phase where the CS+ and CS-were presented without the US, conditioned skin conductance responses to the CS+ indicated aversive conditioning. The results showed that the participants who did not show aversive conditioning (N = 26) exhibited significantly less risk-avoidance compared to participants who did show aversive conditioning (N = 32). Regression analysis showed that among the study variables, only aversive conditioning contributed significantly to explaining variance in risk-avoidance. These results may have implications for understanding risk-taking in gambling in general, and may be a starting point understanding the role of aversive conditioning in the development and maintenance of gambling problems.

Choo H; Gentile DA; Sim T; Li DD; Khoo A; Liau AK. Pathological video-gaming among Singaporean youth. Annals of the Academy of Medicine (Singapore) 39(11): 822-829, 2010. (33 refs.)

Introduction: Increase in internet use and video-gaming contributes to public concern on pathological or obsessive play of video games among children and adolescents worldwide. Nevertheless, little is known about the prevalence of pathological symptoms in video-gaming among Singaporean youth and the psychometric properties of instruments measuring pathological symptoms in video-gaming. Materials and Methods: A total of 2998 children and adolescents from 6 primary and 6 secondary schools in Singapore responded to a comprehensive survey questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, video-gaming habits, school performance, somatic symptoms, various psychological traits, social functioning and pathological symptoms of video-gaming. After weighting, the survey data were analysed to determine the prevalence of pathological video-gaming among Singaporean youth and gender differences in the prevalence. The construct validity of instrument used to measure pathological symptoms of video-gaming was tested. Results: Of all the study participants, 8.7% were classified as pathological players with more boys reporting more pathological symptoms than girls. All variables, including impulse control problem, social competence, hostility, academic performance, and damages to social functioning, tested for construct validity, were significantly associated with pathological status, providing good evidence for the construct validity of the instrument used. Conclusion: The prevalence rate of pathological video-gaming among Singaporean youth is comparable with that from other countries studied thus far, and gender differences are also consistent with the findings of prior research. The positive evidence of construct validity supports the potential use of the instrument for future research and clinical screening on Singapore children and adolescents' pathological video-gaming.

Christakis DA. Internet addiction: A 21(st) century epidemic? (editorial). BMC Medicine 8: e-article 61, 2010. (30 refs.)

Internet addiction, while not yet officially codified within a psychopathological framework, is growing both in prevalence and within the public consciousness as a potentially problematic condition with many parallels to existing recognized disorders. The rapid and unfettered increase in the number of people accessing a relatively unrestricted internet substantially increases the possibility that those suffering with an underlying psychological comorbidity may be at serious risk of developing an addiction to the internet, lending further credence to this hitherto understudied condition. In this commentary, I outline my recommendations for improved diagnosis, study and prevention of internet addiction.

Dong GH; Lu QL; Zhou H; Zhao XA. Impulse inhibition in people with Internet addiction disorder: Electrophysiological evidence from a Go/NoGo study. Neuroscience Letters 485(2): 138-142, 2010. (31 refs.)

We investigated response inhibition in people with Internet addiction disorder (IAD) by recording event-related brain potentials during a Go/NoGo task Twelve IAD-afflicted and 12 normal university students participated in the study Results show that the IAD group exhibited lower NoGo-N2 amplitude, higher NoGo-P3 amplitude, and longer NoGo-P3 peak latency than the normal group The results also suggest that the IAD students had lower activation in the conflict detection stage than the normal group, thus, they had to engage in more cognitive endeavors to complete the inhibition task in the late stage. In addition, the IAD students showed less efficiency in information processing and lower impulse control than their normal peers.

Downs C. Mecca and the birth of commercial bingo 1958-70: A case study. Business History 52(7): 1086-1106, 2010. (52 refs.)

The game of bingo has become synonymous with women of a certain age and class and has been stigmatised as a dead-end use of leisure. However, the development of commercial bingo in the wake of the Betting and Gaming Act (1961) offered the leisure industry access to a new and lucrative market. While many major players in the leisure industry of the early 1960s adopted commercial bingo as an adjunct to their offerings the Mecca dancing group adopted a strategy that made bingo so particularly their own that the brand rapidly became known as the bingo and dancing group with Eric Morley of Mecca referred to in the popular press as 'Mr Bingo'. This paper provides a case study of the Mecca group as it moved into commercial gambling, rapidly increased its size and profitability, saw off competition in commercial gambling from larger companies and finally succumbed to a lucrative takeover in 1970.

Engel RJ; Rosen D; Weaver A; Soska T. Raising the takes: Assessing the human service response to the advent of a casino. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(4): 611-622, 2010. (20 refs.)

This article reports the findings of one county's human service network's readiness to treat gambling related problems in anticipation of the opening of a new casino. Using a cross-sectional survey design, questionnaires were mailed to executive directors of all mental health, family counseling, drug and alcohol, and faith-based, addiction-related organizations in the county (N = 248); 137 (55.2%) agency directors responded to the questionnaire. The survey requested information about agency demographics, training, screening, treatment, and public awareness/education. Descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses were used to summarize the findings. The analyses revealed a lack of human service response to the impending start of casino gambling. More than three-quarters of respondents had not sent staff for training in screening or treating gambling disorders, did not screen for problem gambling, did not treat problem gambling, and did not refer clients to other agencies for treatment of gambling-related problems. The most common reason offered for not engaging in prevention and treatment activities was that problem gambling is not considered an issue for the agency. There were differences between mental health and/or substance abuse focused agencies and other service providers. Based on the findings of this study, specific strategies to enhance the service delivery network's capacity to address problem gambling are suggested.

Ferentzy P; Skinner W; Antze P. Changing spousal roles and their effect on recovery in Gamblers Anonymous: GamAnon, social support, wives and husbands. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(3): 487-501, 2010. (23 refs.)

This paper examines changing spousal roles and their effects upon recovery in Gamblers Anonymous (GA). It is based upon a qualitative study designed to gage uniformity as well as variations in approaches to recovery in GA. Interviews were conducted with 39 GA members (26 men, 13 women; mean age 56.5 years). Though the study was based in the Toronto area, only 13 interviews involved participants from that region. Phone interviews were conducted with GA members from various regions of both Canada and the US. GamAnon, GA's sister fellowship, has been designed for anyone affected seriously by someone's gambling problem. In practice, GamAnon comprises mostly women-spouses of male GA members-who traditionally have taken a keen interest in the ways in which their husbands achieve and maintain abstinence from gambling. Changing spousal roles have led to fewer women joining GamAnon, as many opt instead to part with troubled spouses. As well, more women are attending GA than in the past, typically with husbands who are disinclined to join GamAnon. All of this has drastically altered how GA members pursue recovery. These changes and their implications are discussed.

Fortune EE; Goodie AS. Comparing the utility of a modified Diagnostic Interview for Gambling Severity (DIGS) with the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) as a research screen in college students. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(4): 639-644, 2010. (8 refs.)

The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) is compared in reliability to a modified version of the Diagnostic Interview for Gambling Severity (DIGS-S) for use as a pathological gambling (PG) screen in college students. Seventy-two undergraduates (83.3% male, mean age of 18.8) from the University of Georgia completed the measures, completing a longitudinal design with 3 sessions over a 2-month time period. The DIGS-S and the SOGS demonstrated good internal consistency over the 3 sessions, with Cronbach's Alphas ranging from 0.73 to 0.89, as well as strong concurrent validity, with correlations of. 50 to .80 (Ps < .001) between the 2 measures across the 3 sessions. Both Cronbach's alpha and test-retest reliability were higher with the DIGS-S than the SOGS. Given this, and given that the DIGS directly measures symptoms of pathological gambling, future research could benefit from the use of the DIGS-S as a PG screening tool in a college-aged sample.

Fortune EE; Goodie AS. The relationship between pathological gambling and sensation seeking: The role of subscale scores. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(3): 331-346, 2010. (41 refs.)

Research investigating the relationship between gambling and sensation seeking has yet to establish conclusively whether pathological gamblers (PGs) are more or less sensation seeking than nonpathological gamblers (NPGs). Sensation seeking is usually measured with the Zuckerman//// (J Consult Clin Psychology 46: 139-149, 1978) SS Scale form V (SSS-V). Whereas previous studies relied on the SSS-V total score, the current study uses two samples to demonstrate the importance of the SSS-V subscales, which include Thrill and Adventure Seeking (TA), Experience Seeking (ES), Disinhibition (DS), and Boredom Susceptibility (BS). In two samples, strong intrascale correlations between DS and BS, and between TA and ES, suggest that certain subscales reflect similar underlying characteristics. In both samples PGs displayed higher scores than NPGs on the DS and BS subscales, with mean differences in Sample 2 reaching significant levels for both DS and BS. Results support the notion that the SSS-V can be divided into concepts reflecting actual behavior, based on the DS and BS subscales, and hypothetical behavior, based on the TA and ES subscales. Furthermore, PGs appear to have a preference for the more behavioral subscales while NPGs show a preference for the more hypothetical subscales. Reasons for the subscale divisions and preferences are discussed.

Grant JE; Schreiber L; Odlaug BL; Kim SW. Pathologic gambling and bankruptcy. Comprehensive Psychiatry 51(2): 115-120, 2010. (40 refs.)

Background: Although prior studies have examined rates of bankruptcy in pathologic gambling (PG), there are only limited data regarding the clinical correlates of those with PG who declare bankruptcy because of gambling. Method: Five hundred seventeen consecutive subjects with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, PG (54.7% females; mean age 47.6 years) were grouped into 2 categories: those who had (n = 93; 18.0%) and had not (n = 424; 82.0%) declared bankruptcy secondary to gambling. Groups were compared on clinical characteristics, gambling severity (using the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale Modified for Pathological Gambling, Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale; Clinical Global Impression-severity scale, and time and money spent gambling), and psychiatric comorbidity. Results: Gamblers who had declared bankruptcy were more likely to be single (P = .004); have an earlier age of problem gambling onset (P = .032); and have more financial (P < .001), work-related (P = .006), marital (P < .001), and legal (P < .001) problems secondary to their gambling. They also reported higher rates of depressive disorders (P < .001), substance use disorders (P = .005) and were more likely to be daily users of nicotine (P = .022). Money spent gambling did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusion: These preliminary results suggest that bankruptcy in PG may be associated with specific clinical differences. Treatment strategies may want to assess bankruptcy status to develop more effective treatments that take account of these clinical differences.

Guryan J; Kearney MS. Is lottery gambling addictive? American Economic Journal. Economic Policy 2(3): 90-110, 2010. (24 refs.)

We present an empirical test for the addictiveness of lottery gambling that exploits an exogenous shock to local market consumption of lottery gambling It uses the sale of a winning jackpot ticket in a zip code as an instrument for present consumption and tests for a causal relationship between present and future consumption This test estimates the time path of persistence nonparametrically Data from the Texas State Lottery suggests that after 6 months, roughly half of the initial increase in lottery consumption is maintained After 18 months, roughly 40 percent of the initial shock persists, though estimates. become less precise (JEL D12, H27 H71)

Hing N; Breen H; Gordon A. Respecting cultural values: Conducting a gambling survey in an Australian Indigenous community. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health 34(6): 547-553, 2010. (13 refs.)

Objective: This paper details how we, as 'cultural outsiders', conducted a large gambling survey in an Indigenous Australian community that adhered to Indigenous ethical protocols and values while differing from some standard survey practices. Approach: The paper summarises the ethical guidelines for conducting Indigenous public health research. It describes research processes used in the study in eight generic steps identified in Keeping Research on Track: A Guide for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples About Health Research Ethics. 1 It explains how adherence to these guidelines contributed to successful project completion. Conclusion: The research processes used to conduct this project gave explicit recognition and commitment to respecting Indigenous cultural values and principles. It engaged the Indigenous community in ways that promoted its ownership of the research issue, ensured the validity and reliability of the research data and unearthed potential solutions to problems identified. Implications: By sharing our experiences in attempting to conduct research that respected these values and principles, we have contributed to culturally appropriate and ethical research with participating Indigenous peoples and communities.

Howard MA; Marczinski CA. Acute effects of a glucose energy drink on behavioral control. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology 18(6): 553-561, 2010. (55 refs.)

There has been a dramatic rise in the consumption of glucose energy drinks (e.g., Amp, Monster, and Red Bull) in the past decade, particularly among high school and college students. However, little laboratory research has examined the acute objective and subjective effects of energy drinks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effects of a glucose energy drink (Red Bull) on cognitive functioning. Participants (N = 80) were randomly assigned to one of five conditions: 1.8 ml/kg energy drink, 3.6 ml/kg energy drink, 5.4 ml/kg energy drink, placebo beverage, or no drink. Participants completed a well-validated behavioral control task (the cued go/no-go task) and subjective measures of stimulation, sedation, and mental fatigue both before and 30 minutes following beverage administration. The results indicated that compared with the placebo and no drink conditions, the energy drink doses decreased reaction times on the behavioral control task, increased subjective ratings of stimulation and decreased ratings of mental fatigue. Greatest improvements in reaction times and subjective measures were observed with the lowest dose and improvements diminished as the dose increased. The findings suggest that energy drink consumption can improve cognitive performance on a behavioral control task, potentially explaining the dramatic rise in popularity of these controversial new beverages.

Kayri M. The analysis of Internet Addiction Scale using multivariate adaptive regression splines. Iranian Journal of Public Health 39(4): 51-63, 2010. (42 refs.)

Background: Determining real effects on Internet dependency is too crucial with unbiased and robust statistical method. MARS is a new non-parametric method in use in the literature for parameter estimations of cause and effect based research. MARS can both obtain legible model curves and make unbiased parametric predictions. Methods: In order to examine the performance of MARS, MARS findings will be compared to Classification and Regression Tree (C&RT) findings, which are considered in the literature to be efficient in revealing correlations between variables. The data set for the study is taken from "The Internet Addiction Scale" (IAS), which attempts to reveal addiction levels of individuals. The population of the study consists of 754 secondary school students (301 female, 443 male students with 10 missing data). MARS 2.0 trial version is used for analysis by MARS method and C&RT analysis was done by SPSS. Results: MARS obtained six base functions of the model. As a common result of these six functions, regression equation of the model was found. Over the predicted variable, MARS showed that the predictors of daily Internet-use time on average, the purpose of Internet- use, grade of students and occupations of mothers had a significant effect (P<0.05). In this comparative study, MARS obtained different findings from C&RT in dependency level prediction. Conclusion: The fact that MARS revealed extent to which the variable, which was considered significant, changes the character of the model was observed in this study.

King SM; Abrams K; Wilkinson T. Personality, gender, and family history in the prediction of college gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(3): 347-359, 2010. (47 refs.)

The present study examined the degree to which gambling behaviors and gambling-relevant cognitive distortions could be predicted by personality factors, gender, and familial history of substance use and gambling problems in a large sample of college students (N = 581). Results indicate that parental gambling problems and, especially for males, a propensity to experience negative emotions predicted time spent gambling and gambling problems. Negative emotionality, along with parental substance use problems, impulsivity, and being male predicted gambling-related cognitive distortions. The differing pattern for impulsivity with respect to behaviors and beliefs might be explained by the low accessibility of gambling venues for the student population. We compare the present findings with past studies examining gambling behaviors in adult populations.

Le AT; Miller PW; Slutske WS; Martin NG. Are attitudes towards economic risk heritable? Analyses using the Australian twin study of gambling. Twin Research and Human Genetics 13(4): 330-339, 2010. (31 refs.)

This study employs multiple regression models based on DeFries and Fulker (1985), and a large sample of twins, to assess heritability in attitudes towards economic risk, and the extent to which this heritability differs between males and females. Consistent with Cesarini//// (2009), it is found that attitudes towards risk are moderately heritable, with about 20 percent of the variation in these attitudes across individuals being linked to genetic differences. This value is less than one-half the estimates reported by Zyphur et al. (2009) and Zhong et al. (2009). While females are more risk averse than males, there is no evidence that heritability in attitudes towards risk differs between males and females. Even though heritability is shown to be important to economic risk-taking, the analyses suggest that multivariate studies of the determinants of attitudes towards risk which to not take heritability into consideration still provide reliable estimates of the partial effects of other key variables, such as gender and educational attainment.

Ledgerwood DM; Petry NM. Subtyping pathological gamblers based on impulsivity, depression, and anxiety. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors 24(4): 680-688, 2010. (54 refs.)

This study examined putative subtypes of pathological gamblers (PGs) based on the Pathways model, and it also evaluated whether the subtypes would benefit differentially from treatment. Treatment-seeking PGs (N = 229) were categorized into Pathways subtypes based on scores from questionnaires assessing anxiety, depression, and impulsivity. The Addiction Severity Index-Gambling assessed severity of gambling problems at baseline, posttreatment. and 12-month follow-up. Compared with behaviorally conditioned (BC) gamblers, emotionally vulnerable (EV) gamblers had higher psychiatric and gambling severity. and were more likely to have a parent with a psychiatric history. Antisocial impulsive (AI) gamblers also had elevated gambling and psychiatric severity relative to BC gamblers. They were more likely to have antisocial personality disorder and had the highest legal and family/social severity scores. They were also most likely to have a history of substance abuse treatment, history of inpatient psychiatric treatment, and a parent with a substance use or gambling problem. AI and EV gamblers experienced greater gambling severity throughout treatment than BC gamblers. hut all three subtypes demonstrated similar patterns of treatment response. Thus, the three Pathways subtypes differ on some baseline characteristics, but subtyping did not predict treatment outcomes beyond a simple association with problem gambling severity.

Lee S. Analysis of college students' online life-styles and their psychological profiles in South Korea. Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking 13(6): 701-704, 2010. (18 refs.)

This study examines the relationships between the online life-styles of South Korean students as Internet users and Internet use, their tendency toward Internet addiction, and the level of cyber ethics. A sample of 324 students, aged between 18 and 23 years, from a medium-sized university in South Korea was asked to complete a survey. They were categorized into three groups depending on their online life-styles: a Social group (SG), an Individual group (IG), and a Loner group (LG). In the following analyses, no group difference was found in hours of Internet use on either weekdays or weekends, but the SG reported higher engagement in interaction-oriented activities (e.g. blogging, games, and instant messenger services) than the LG. As for tendency toward Internet addiction, all three groups belonged to the first phase of the "at-risk'' classification in Korea. Interestingly, the IG characteristics of sensation seeking and independence reported the lowest scores in cyber ethics, while the LG characteristics of apathetic attitude toward the Internet reported the highest scores in cyber ethics. This preliminary study showed that Internet users impose different meanings and values on their Internet experiences, which contribute to their use of Internet services, their tendency toward Internet addiction, and their level of cyber ethics.

Lin JC. Popularity, funding for health-effect research and cell-phone addiction. IEEE Antennas and Propagation Magazine 52(2): 164-166, 2010. (8 refs.)

Cell phones are convenient and increasingly more intuitive to operate. They come in hip, fanciful little packages with a growing range of extra features that deliver music, video, messaging, and Intemet capabilities. Children have them, and some grownups are hooked by them. Adolescents and young adults are obsessed with and possibly addicted to the cell phone. The question of whether the brains of children are more susceptible to the radio-frequency fields emitted by cell phones than are those of adults remains open, and cannot be easily answered based on existing scientific knowledge. Obsessive, problematic, or excessive cell-phone use and functional impairment in adolescents have been observed worldwide.

Lloyd J; Doll H; Hawton K; Dutton WH; Geddes JR; Goodwin GM et al. Internet gamblers: A latent class analysis of their behaviours and health experiences. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(3): 387-399, 2010. (42 refs.)

In order to learn about the behaviours and health experiences of people who gamble on the Internet, we conducted an international online survey with respondents recruited via gambling and gambling-related websites. The mean (SD) age of the 4,125 respondents completing the survey was 35.5 (11.8) years, with 79.1% being male and 68.8% UK residents. Respondents provided demographic details and completed validated psychometric screening instruments for problem gambling, mood disturbances, as well as alcohol and substance misuse, and history of deliberate self harm. We applied latent class analysis to respondents' patterns of regular online gambling activities, and identified subgroups of individuals who used the Internet to gamble in different ways (L-2 = 44.27, bootstrap P = 0.07). We termed the characteristic profiles as 'non-to-minimal gamblers'; 'sports bettors'; 'casino & sports gamblers'; 'lottery players'; and 'multi-activity gamblers'. Furthermore, these subgroups of respondents differed on other demographic and psychological dimensions, with significant inter-cluster differences in proportion of individuals scoring above threshold for problem gambling, mood disorders and substance misuse, and history of deliberate self harm (all X(2)s > 23.4, all P-values <0.001). The 'casino & sports' and 'multi-activity-gamblers' clusters had the highest prevalence of mental disorder. Internet gamblers appear to be heterogeneous but composed of several subgroups, differing markedly on both demographic and clinical characteristics.

Lyk-Jensen SV. New evidence from the grey area: Danish results for at-risk gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(3): 455-467, 2010. (26 refs.)

This study investigates the differences between at-risk gamblers and no-risk gamblers to provide a closer inspection of the characteristics and gambling behavior of at-risk gamblers. The data stem from the first Danish large-scale nationwide study, in 2005, followed by a second wave interview in 2006. The first wave sample consists of 4,932 current gamblers with no current gambling problems or pathology, and the second wave re-interviewed 379 of them. The analysis involves both a logistic regression and cross-tabulations. The results show that at-risk gamblers and no-risk gamblers have significantly different socio-demographic profiles and gambling behaviors. At-risk gambling is more prevalent for men, young-to-middle-aged people, and immigrants, and at-risk gamblers are more likely to have low income, low education, and no children living at home. This study shows that playing high-risk games substantially increases the odds for at-risk gambling. This finding is important for all professionals involved in preventive work.

McComb JL; Sabiston CM. Family influences on adolescent gambling behavior: A review of the literature. (review). Journal of Gambling Studies 26(4): 503-520, 2010. (57 refs.)

Gambling, and gambling related problems, are recognized as an emerging health issue among adolescents. Adolescent gambling is associated with numerous individual, social, and family characteristics. This paper provides a review of 21 empirical studies published between 1997 and 2008 that examine family influences on adolescent gambling behavior. Family influences on gambling behavior are conceptualized in the following five domains: (1) family sociodemographic factors, (2) general family climate, (3) family members' attitudes and behaviors, (4) parenting practices, and (5) family relationship characteristics. Based on the review of extant literature, there is empirical evidence that family characteristics are associated with adolescent gambling and further examination of family system influences on gambling behavior is needed. Gaps in the current literature and recommendations for future research are discussed to help inform the study of family influences on adolescent gambling behavior.

Mills A. Harry Potter: Agency or addiction? Children's Literature In Education 41(4): 291-301, 2010. (12 refs.)

This article considers limitations on agency for characters in the Harry Potter novels, in particular, how far they are driven by an addictive yearning for their beloved dead. As well as Harry's yearning for his dead parents, Dumbledore's guilt, Snape's longing and Slughorn's craving can be read as evidence of addiction rather than love, while the Sorting ritual throws into doubt agency among the students in general.

Mishra S; Morgan M; Lalumiere ML; Williams RJ. Journal of Gambling Studies. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(3): 373-386, 2010. (35 refs.)

Little is known about the situational factors associated with gambling behavior. We induced 180 male participants (mean age: 21.6) into a positive, negative, or neutral mood prior to gambling on a video lottery terminal (VLT). While gambling, participants were observed by either a male peer, female peer, or no one. Induced mood had no effect on gambling behavior. Participants induced into a negative mood prior to gambling, however, reported more positive moods after gambling, whereas those with positive and neutral moods reported more negative moods after gambling. Participants observed by either a male or female peer spent less time gambling on the VLT compared to those not observed. Participants observed by a female peer lost less money relative to the other observer conditions. Degree of problem gambling in the last year had little influence on these effects. Some practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Munoz Y; Chebat JC; Suissa JA. Using fear appeals in warning labels to promote responsible gambling among VLT players: The key role of depth of information processing. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(4): 593-609, 2010. (53 refs.)

Video lottery terminals (VLT) are a highly lucrative gambling format, but at the same time they are among the most hazardous. Previous research has shown that threatening warnings may be an appropriate approach for promoting protective behavior. The present study explores the potential benefits of threatening warnings in the fight against compulsive gambling. A 4 x 2 factorial design experiment was used to test our model based on both Elaboration Likelihood Model and Protection Motivation Theory. 258 VLT adult players (58% males, 42% females) with various degrees of problem gambling were exposed to three threat levels (plus a control condition) from two different sources (i.e., either a medical source or a source related to the provider of VLT's). Our results show that both higher threat warnings and the medical source of warnings enhance Depth of Information Processing. It was also found that Depth of Information Processing affects positively attitude change and compliance intentions. The theoretical and managerial implications are discussed.

Myrseth H; Brunborg GS; Eidem M. Differences in cognitive distortions between pathological and non-pathological gamblers with preferences for chance or skill games. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(4): 561-569, 2010. (29 refs.)

Cognitive distortions have been thought to play an important role in the development and maintenance of pathological gambling. The present study investigated whether severity of gambling problems and gamblers' preference for chance or skill games were related to two sub-factors of cognitive distortions as measured by the Gamblers Belief Questionnaire: Luck/Perseverance, which reflects an individual's perception that chance is favorable to him/her, and Illusion of Control, which reflects an individual's perception that his/her behavior influences chance occurrences. Participants (N = 166) were recruited from a race track (n = 79), off-course betting facilities (n = 50) and from an online treatment program for problem gamblers (n = 49). Gambling severity was measured by the South Oaks Gambling Screen, and 73 were classified as pathological gamblers whereas 93 were classified as non-pathological gamblers. The present study supports previous proposals that cognitive distortions are core processes related to gambling behavior as pathological gamblers reported more cognitive distortions than did non-pathological gamblers. A preference for skill games was also associated with greater Illusion of Control compared to a preference for chance games. For gamblers preferring skill games there were no differences in Luck/Perseverance or Illusion of Control between pathological and non-pathological gamblers.

Najavits LM. Treatment utilization of pathological gamblers with and without PTSD. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(4): 583-592, 2010. (26 refs.)

This paper represents the first study of treatment utilization among pathological gamblers with and without PTSD. Comorbidity of PG and PTSD is increasingly recognized as an important association, both in its rate and clinical severity. The sample comprised 106 adults from the community (35 with current PG; 36 with current PTSD, and 35 with BOTH). Four areas were addressed: current treatment utilization, lifetime treatment utilization, specific treatments utilized, and satisfaction with treatments. Results indicated that the presence of PTSD was associated with higher treatment utilization (for current utilization, PTSD was higher than PG; and for lifetime, PTSD and PTSD/PG were both higher than PG). Indeed, only a minority of the PG group had ever attended current or lifetime treatment, whereas the majority of PTSD and PTSD/PG had. Yet notably, those with PG who utilized current treatment had no less satisfaction, number of treatment types, nor number of days in treatment than the other two groups. For all three groups, the most common current treatments were individual therapy and psychiatric medications. Study strengths include a rigorously diagnosed sample; an extensive interview-based assessment of treatment utilization, and identification of both current and lifetime utilization. Limitations include the inability to explore change over time or test-retest reliability of responses.

Nower L; Blaszczynski A. Gambling motivations, money-limiting strategies, and precommitment preferences of problem versus non-problem gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(3): 361-372, 2010. (24 refs.)

Studies attempting to identify the specific 'addictive' features of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) have yielded largely inconclusive results, suggesting that it is the interaction between a gambler's cognitions and the machine, rather than the machine itself, which fuels excessive play. Research has reported that machine players with gambling problems adopt a number of erroneous cognitive perceptions regarding the probability of winning and the nature of randomness. What is unknown, however, is whether motivations for gambling and attitudes toward pre-session monetary limit-setting vary across levels of gambling severity, and whether proposed precommitment strategies would be useful in minimizing excessive gambling expenditures. The current study explored these concepts in a sample of 127 adults, ages 18 to 81, attending one of four gambling venues in Queensland, Australia. The study found that problem gamblers were more likely than other gamblers to play machines to earn income or escape their problems rather than for fun and enjoyment. Similarly, they were less likely to endorse any type of monetary limit-setting prior to play. They were also reticent to adopt the use of a 'smart card' or other strategy to limit access to money during a session, though they indicated they lost track of money while gambling and were rarely aware of whether they were winning or losing during play. Implications for precommitment policies and further research are discussed.

Pallanti S; Bernardi S; Allen A; Hollander E. Serotonin function in pathological gambling: Blunted growth hormone response to sumatriptan. Journal of Psychopharmacology 24(12): 1802-1809, 2010. (51 refs.)

Pathological gambling is a disruptive behaviour and an important public health concern that is classified as an impulse control disorder, and is also conceptualized as a prototype of 'behavioural addiction'. Its phenomenology cannot be reduced to a single neurobiological dysfunction; instead, it has been conceived as a complex chain of events in which the serotonergic system (5-HT) has often been suggested as one of the most prominent involved. Acute administration of Sumatriptan, a selective 5-HT1B/1D agonist, has been used to investigate the functional responsivity of 5-HT1B/1D receptors in alcoholics, resulting in a blunted growth hormone response. These findings have been interpreted as being due to the down-regulation of these receptors. However, previous studies could not rule out the possibility that the changes in receptor function were induced by chronic substance exposure. Twenty-two pathological gamblers and 19 healthy control subjects were evaluated in response to double-blind administration of both a single dose of oral Sumatriptan (100mg) and of placebo in a crossover design. All participants were screened to ensure that they were negative for lifetime alcohol and drug addiction, and had been free of substance abuse for at least 6 months. Outcome measures included growth hormone, prolactin, gambling severity, mood, craving and 'high' change scales. A blunted growth hormone response was observed in pathological gamblers compared with healthy controls after Sumatriptan administration. No statistically significant differences were found for prolactin or behavioural measures, except for an increase in anxiety over time in pathological gamblers. These results, together with those obtained in our previous serotoninergic challenge study, document the presence of a serotonergic dysfunction in pathological gamblers similar to that reported in alcoholics.

Peterson E; Moller A; Doudet DJ; Bailey CJ; Hansen KV; Rodell A et al. Pathological gambling: Relation of skin conductance response to dopaminergic neurotransmission and sensation-seeking. European Neuropsychopharmacology 20(11): 766-775, 2010. (58 refs.)

Absent Skin Conductance Response (SCR) in pathological gambling (PG) may relate to dopaminergic mechanisms. We recruited equal numbers of PG subjects and healthy control (HC) subjects, and then tested the claim that SCR is less conditioned by dopaminergic activity in PG subjects. During active gambling, SCR differed in PG and HC subjects (P<0.05), but positron emission tomography revealed the same dopamine receptor availability. However, highly sensation-seeking (HS) PG subjects had lower dopamine receptor availability (P<0.0001) in the baseline, compared to normal sensation-seeking (NS) PG subjects. We find that HS versus NS controls had the same observation of significant increase of binding potential (BPND) in high compared to normal sensation seekers. In both groups, PG and HC, highly sensation-seeking subjects had significant increase of receptor availability in striatum, compared to normally sensation-seeking subjects, separately (P<0.05 and P = 0.02, respectively) and together (P<0.0005). We conclude that SCR is less conditioned by dopaminergic activity in highly sensation-seeking subjects, regardless of PG status.

Reid RC. Differentiating emotions in a sample of men in treatment for hypersexual behavior. Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions 10(2): 197-213, 2010

This study investigated distinct emotions in a sample of men (n = 103) seeking help for hypersexual behavior compared to a control group of college students (n = 100) using the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory and the Differential Emotions Scale. Significant differences between groups emerged on several domains of emotion and hypersexual behavior. Self-hostility was the most significant predictor of hypersexual behavior. These findings suggest that self-critical affect, such as shame, might exert an influence in precipitating or perpetuating hypersexual behavior.

Rockloff MJ; Greer N. Never smile at a crocodile: Betting on electronic gaming machines is intensified by reptile-induced arousal. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(4): 571-581, 2010. (20 refs.)

Tourists at the Koorana Saltwater Crocodile Farm in Coowonga, Queensland, Australia, including 62 males and 41 females, aged 18-66 (M = 34.2, SD = 13.3), were randomly assigned to play a laptop-simulated Electronic Gaming Machine (EGM) either: (1) prior to entry, or (2) after having held a 1-m saltwater-crocodile. Gambling behavior; including bet-size, speed of betting, final payouts and trials played on the EGM; was investigated with respect to participants' assigned arousal condition, problem-gambling status, and affective state. At-risk gamblers with few self-reported negative emotions placed higher average bets at the EGM after having held the crocodile when compared to the control. In contrast, at-risk gamblers with many self-reported negative emotions placed lower average bets at the EGM after having held the crocodile. The results suggest that high arousal can intensify gambling in at-risk players, but only if this feeling state is not perceived as a negative emotion.

Shorey LJ; Holtzman AR. Survey of significant developments in internet gambling. (editorial). Business Lawyer 66(1): 249-254, 2010. (48 legal refs.)

During the past year, activities related to the regulation of Internet gambling in the US have progressed. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) continued to generate uncertainty; Kentucky's attempt to seize domain names used by certain Internet gambling companies continued to generate news; Minnesota and the Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association Inc (iMEGA) resolved their differences concerning access to alleged gambling Web sites; and iMEGA's challenge to UIGEA failed in the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. In September 2008, the Commonwealth of Kentucky sought to seize 141 domain names for alleged Internet gambling Web sites on grounds that the names were used to facilitate gambling activities that violated Kentucky law. The 2009 survey mentioned iMEGA's challenge to the constitutionality of UIGEA, noting that the challenge was unsuccessful in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey.

Siler K. Social and psychological challenges of poker. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(3): 401-420, 2010. (49 refs.)

Poker is a competitive, social game of skill and luck, which presents players with numerous challenging strategic and interpersonal decisions. The adaptation of poker into a game played over the internet provides the unprecedented opportunity to quantitatively analyze extremely large numbers of hands and players. This paper analyzes roughly twenty-seven million hands played online in small-stakes, medium-stakes and high-stakes games. Using PokerTracker software, statistics are generated to (a) gauge the types of strategies utilized by players (i.e. the 'strategic demography') at each level and (b) examine the various payoffs associated with different strategies at varying levels of play. The results show that competitive edges attenuate as one moves up levels, and tight-aggressive strategies-which tend to be the most remunerative-become more prevalent. Further, payoffs for different combinations of cards, varies between levels, showing how strategic payoffs are derived from competitive interactions. Smaller-stakes players also have more difficulty appropriately weighting incentive structures with frequent small gains and occasional large losses. Consequently, the relationship between winning a large proportion of hands and profitability is negative, and is strongest in small-stakes games. These variations reveal a meta-game of rationality and psychology which underlies the card game. Adopting risk-neutrality to maximize expected value, aggression and appropriate mental accounting, are cognitive burdens on players, and underpin the rationality work-reconfiguring of personal preferences and goals-players engage into be competitive, and maximize their winning and profit chances.

Slutske WS; Piasecki TM; Blaszczynski A; Martin NG. Pathological gambling recovery in the absence of abstinence. Addiction 105(12): 2169-2175, 2010. (29 refs.)

Aims: To examine the role of abstinence from gambling versus controlled gambling in recovery from pathological gambling (PG) in a community-based survey. Design Individuals with a life-time history of PG identified in a community-based survey were divided into three groups based on their current levels of PG symptoms. These three groups were compared to each other on their past-year gambling involvement. Setting: National general population twin survey conducted in Australia. Participants: Overall, there were 4764 participants in the community-based survey (mean age 37.7 years, 57.2% women). Among these were 104 participants with a life-time history of PG; of the 104 with a life-time diagnosis of PG, 28 had a past-year diagnosis of PG, 32 had past-year problem gambling and 44 had no symptoms of PG in the past year ('recovery'). Measurements: The measure of PG was based on the NODS (NORC DSM-IV Screen for Gambling Problems). Past-year participation in 11 different gambling activities was assessed, as well as the following composite indicators: any gambling, gambling versatility, the number of days and hours spent gambling and the proportion of household income spent on gambling. Findings: Ninety per cent of those in the recovery group participated in some form of gambling in the past year. Conclusions: In this general population survey, nearly all the PG recoveries were achieved in the absence of abstinence. Controlled gambling appears to be a popular road to recovery in the community.

Slutske WS; Piasecki TM; Ellingson JM; Martin NG. The family history method in disordered gambling research: A comparison of reports obtained from discordant twin pairs. Twin Research and Human Genetics 13(4): 340-346, 2010. (29 refs.)

The purpose of this study was to examine potential biases in family history reports of problem gambling and gambling frequency. Same-sex twin pairs discordant for a history of problem (n = 230 pairs) and pathological gambling (n = 48 pairs) and for three indexes of gambling frequency (ever gambling, monthly gambling, and weekly gambling; n = 44-517 pairs) were identified from a large Australian national twin study. The problem gambling affected twin was significantly more likely to endorse paternal problem gambling than the problem gambling unaffected cotwin (OR = 5.5), and similar findings were obtained for family history reports of gambling frequency (OR = 2.0-2.8). These results could not be explained by differences between the discordant pairs in whether they had spent time gambling with the parents; there was no association between a history of problem, monthly or weekly gambling and having gambled with the parents among discordant twin pairs. The results of this study suggest that relying solely on family history assessments of disordered gambling and gambling involvement can lead to incorrect estimates of the strength of the family history effect.

Stieger S; Burger C. Implicit and explicit self-esteem in the context of internet addiction. Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking 13(6): 681-688, 2010. (44 refs.)

Previous research has repeatedly found that people suffering from some clinical disorders (e.g., bulimia nervosa, depression) possess low explicit (i.e., conscious, deliberate) self-esteem while at the same time displaying high implicit (i.e., unconscious, automatic) self-esteem. This phenomenon has been termed damaged self-esteem and was proposed to be an indicator of psychological distress. Although Internet addiction has been found to be associated with low levels of explicit self-esteem, as well as with high levels of psychological distress, its relation to implicit self-esteem has, to our knowledge, not been investigated thus far. We therefore hypothesized that the phenomenon of damaged self-esteem could also be found amongst people suffering from Internet addiction, and conducted two studies using the Initial Preference Task as a measure of implicit self-esteem. As expected, we found that individuals scoring high on Internet addiction possess low explicit and high implicit self-esteem. This effect was, however, only found for the first name initial of the Initial Preference Task, leading to the conclusion that first and last name initials might tap into different parts of implicit self-esteem.

Tang CSK; Wu AMS. Direct and indirect influences of fate control belief, gambling expectancy bias, and self-efficacy on problem gambling and negative mood among Chinese college students: A multiple mediation analysis. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(4): 533-543, 2010. (42 refs.)

A multiple mediation model was proposed to integrate core concepts of the social axioms framework and the social cognitive theory in order to understand gambling behavior. It was hypothesized that the influence of general fate control belief on problem gambling and negative mood would be mediated by gambling-specific beliefs. Data from 773 Chinese college recreational gamblers were collected. The bootstrapping procedure was used to test the multiple mediation hypotheses. Significant indirect effects of fate control belief on problem gambling and negative mood through two gambling-specific mediators were found. Gambling expectancy bias was a more salient mediator than gambling self-efficacy. Fate control belief was also found to have a significant direct effect on negative mood. In general, a high level of general fate control belief was related to greater gambling expectancy bias and lower self-efficacy in resisting gambling, which were in turn related to problem gambling and negative mood. Limitations and implications of the study were discussed.

Tavares H; Carneiro E; Sanches M; Pinsky I; Caetano R; Zaleski M et al. Gambling in Brazil: Lifetime prevalences and socio-demographic correlates. Psychiatry Research 180(1): 35-41, 2010. (45 refs.)

Gambling has experienced world-wide growth The current study is the first national survey into household gambling conducted in a developing country The sample was a three-stage probabilistic one designed to cover individuals 14 years old or older of both genders and from all regions of the national territory 325 census sectors were visited including rural areas DSM-IV-based instruments were used to assess problem and pathological gambling individuals were asked to estimate their monthly gambling expenditure The lifetime prevalences were pathological gambling 1 0% and problem gambling 1 3% Maximum gambling expenditure corresponded to 5 4% of the household income for social gamblers 16 9% for problem gamblers and 20 0% for pathological gamblers The male female ratio among adults for pathological gambling was 3 2 1 The data suggest the existence of two subgroups of pathological gamblers one younger (33 9 +/- 4 19) and severe (7 or more DSM-IV criteria) another older (47 8 +/- 6 01) and less severe (5-6 criteria) In a multinomial logistic regression problematic gambling was associated with gender age education employment region of origin and living in metropolitan areas The data suggest that feeling active and socially inserted protects against problematic gambling Individuals who are young male unemployed or not currently pursuing further education may be at special risk for severe pathological gambling.

Tolchard B; Battersby MW. The Victorian gambling screen: reliability and validation in a clinical population. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(4): 623-638, 2010. (50 refs.)

There is a need to establish reliability and the various forms of validity in all measures in order to feel confident in the use of such tools across a wide diversity of settings. The aim of this study is to describe the reliability and validity of the Victorian Gambling Screen (VGS) and in particular one of the sub-scales (Harm to Self-HS) in a specialist problem gambling treatment service in Adelaide, Australia. Sixty-seven consecutive gamblers were assessed using a previously validated clinical interview and the VGS (Ben-Tovim////, The Victorian Gambling Screen: project report. Victorian Research Panel, Melbourne, 2001). The internal consistency of the combined VGS scales had a Cronbach's alpha of .85 with the HS scale .89. There was satisfactory evidence of convergent validity which included moderate correlations with another measure of gambling-the South Oaks Gambling Screen. There were also moderate correlations with other measures of psychopathology. Finally, how the VGS may best be used in clinical settings is discussed.

Turner NE. Lottery ticket preferences as indicated by the variation in the number of winners. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(3): 421-439, 2010. (37 refs.)

Many gamblers believe that it is possible to find a strategy to beat the lottery including selecting numbers that are due to come up or looking for a bias in past numbers. In this paper, we examine sales figures and variations in the number of winners for the various prize levels of a popular Canadian lottery to detect lottery ticket preferences. It was determined that the lottery outcomes conformed well to a random outcome. No evidence of either a bias myth or due to come up myth was found. However ticket popularity indicated a marked preference for the number 7 and low numbers, and the avoidance of high numbers and adjacent numbers. In addition we found a linear and a quadratic relationship between past frequency of the numbers and ticket popularity indicating a belief in both the due to come up and the bias myths. The findings suggest strong non-random preferences in the selection of lottery numbers.

Wohl MJA; Christie KL; Matheson K; Anisman H. Animation-based education as a gambling prevention tool: Correcting erroneous cognitions and reducing the frequency of exceeding limits among slots players. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(3): 469-486, 2010. (40 refs.)

In light of the financial harm that often accompanies problem gambling, and the difficulty in resolving it, there is a pressing need for prevention resources. In the present study, we examined the preventive effects of an animation-based video that educated participants on how slot machines function, the prudence of setting financial limits, and strategies to avoid problems. Non-problem gamblers (N = 242) at a slots venue were randomly assigned to watch either an animation or a control video. Compared to participants who watched the control video, those who watched the animation endorsed strategies to gamble within financial limits, reported greater behavioral intentions to use the strategies, and exceeded their pre-set limits less frequently during their subsequent gambling session. Some effects waned over a 30-day period suggesting booster sessions may be required for long term sustainability. The effectiveness of animation-based education as a prevention tool and the need for adjunctive measures is discussed.

Zheng WY; Walker M; Blaszczynski A. Mahjong gambling in the Chinese-Australian community in Sydney: A prevalence study. Journal of Gambling Studies 26(3): 441-454, 2010. (40 refs.)

Mahjong is a popular gambling game played in Chinese communities all over the world (Papineau, China Perspect 28:29-42, 2000) and is sometimes referred to as '(sic)' (guodu, the Chinese national gambling game) or '(sic)' (xiu changcheng, repairing the Great Wall). Exploratory studies using snowball sampling conducted by Zheng//// (J Psychology Chin Soc 9(2):241-262, 2008) indicated that Mahjong is not only a popular pastime within the Sydney Chinese community but also problematic for around 3% of players. The current study aimed to extend earlier studies by estimating the prevalence of Mahjong problem gambling in a random sample of Sydney Chinese community members. In addition, due to first-hand gambling experience of the first author with superstitious Mahjong players, the study also investigated the role of superstitious beliefs in Mahjong gambling. The current study involved a series of self-report questionnaires administered to 469 randomly selected Chinese Australians in Sydney. The problem gambling rate, assessed by the Canadian Problem Gambling Index (CPGI), was 3.8%, with Chinese males and older Chinese prominent. Superstitious beliefs were found to play a part in the maintenance of Mahjong gambling behaviour. Information stemming from the current study has helped gain insight into culturally specific forms of gambling, and to identify correlates of problem gamblers. Funding bodies and counselling services should be aware of the existence of this form of gambling, and should devise appropriate treatment plans for Mahjong problem gamblers.

Kayri M; Gunuc S. An analysis of some variables affecting the internet dependency level of Turkish adolescents by using decision tree methods. Kuram Ve Uygulamada Egitim Bilimleri 10(4): 2487-2500, 2010. (54 refs.)

Internet dependency is going to expand into social life in wide area whereas it has been accepted as a pathological and psychological disease. Knowing the basic effects of internet dependency is an inevitable approach to use the internet technology healthy. In this study, internet dependency levels of 754 students were examined with the Internet Dependency Scale. Total score which will be obtained from the scale is the dependent variable and using daily hours of internet, how many years the users are acquainted with the internet, the purpose of using the internet, education level of users' mother and father, income of users' families and gender variables are included in the model as independent variables. Model was tested both Classification Tree and Chaid Analysis. In the Classification Tree method; purpose of using the internet, using daily hours of the internet, gender, income of users' families and education level of users' father which affected dependent variable were found meaningful. In Chaid Analysis, purpose of using the internet and using daily hours of the internet users' independent variables were just found meaningful.

Weiss SM; Loubier SL. Gambling habits of athletes and nonathletes classified as disordered gamblers. Journal of Psychology 144(6): 507-521, 2010. (37 refs.)

The objective of the present study was to determine the forms of gambling that were the most prevalent in those having problems with their gambling. High-risk individuals who were experiencing difficulties with their gambling were examined. Specifically, the gambling behaviors of current athletes, former athletes, and nonathletes were investigated. Only members of these 3 groups with elevated scores on the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) were tested. Specifically, only those classified as disordered gamblers (SOGS score >= 3) were recruited. Among these individuals with high SOGS scores, former athletes were more likely to participate in skill-based forms of gambling such as sports gambling and poker card playing, whereas nonathletes were more likely to partake in gambling games that were based predominately on chance factors. Also, former athletes were more likely to wager on the sport they had once played. Findings suggest that a competitive spirit may lead athletes to involvement in skill-based forms of gambling. While other explanations were considered, preliminary indicators support this view.