The influence of cognitive factors on pathological gambling

The purpose of this study wasto examine the role of cognitive factors, such as superstition, locus of control, decision-making and unrealistic optimism,on gambling.Eighty-six subjects participated in this study. They were divided into four groups: non-players, social players, problem gamblers, and p...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Tindara Caprì, Angela Foti, Rosa Angela Fabio, Annamaria Pugliese, Gabriella Martino
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Accademia Peloritana dei Pericolanti 2017-12-01
Series:Atti della Accademia Peloritana dei Pericolanti - Classe di Scienze Medico-Biologiche
Subjects:
Online Access:http://cab.unime.it/journals/index.php/APMB/article/view/1712
Description
Summary:The purpose of this study wasto examine the role of cognitive factors, such as superstition, locus of control, decision-making and unrealistic optimism,on gambling.Eighty-six subjects participated in this study. They were divided into four groups: non-players, social players, problem gamblers, and pathological gamblers. Groups were formed on the basis of South Oaks Gambling Screen  Scale. Results showed that pathological gamblers group obtained a high superstition index. With reference to unrealistic optimism, gambler groupbelieved that they had a better chance of success compared to non-gamblers. They also showed a higher impulsivity index in decision making than non-gamblers. This study supports the idea that cognitive factors such as superstition, unrealistic optimism, impulsivity and external locus of control are involved in gambling.
ISSN:0365-0294
1828-6550