An investigation of the link between gambling motives and social context of gambling in young adults

The current study examined the relationship between gambling motives and gambling in various social contexts using both retrospective and real-time assessment of gambling social context. Ninety-five young adults (79 males, 16 females; aged 19–24 years) who reported gambling at least 4 times in the past month participated. Scores on the Gambling Motives Questionnaire (GMQ; Stewart & Zack, 2008) were used as a measure of gambling motives (Enhancement, Social, Coping). Data on the social context of gambling (alone, with family, with friends, with strangers) were derived retrospectively from the Gambling Timeline Follow-Back (G-TLFB; Weinstock, Whelan, & Meyers, 2004) as well as in real time using experience sampling (ES) methods (Conner Christensen, Feldman Barrett, Bliss-Moreau, Lebo, & Kaschub, 2003). For both the G-TLFB and ES data, we conducted a series of multivariate regression analyses with the block of gambling motives predicting gambling behaviour in each social context. Across the two assessment methods, coping gambling motives positively predicted gambling alone, whereas social gambling motives negatively predicted gambling alone and positively predicted gambling with friends. These findings suggest that individuals who gamble for particular motives are more likely to do so in specific social contexts.     

Predicting gambling behaviour and problems from implicit and explicit positive gambling outcome expectancies in regular gamblers

Outcome expectancies are the positive or negative effects that individuals anticipate may occur from engaging in a given behaviour. Although explicit outcome expectancies have been found to play an important role in gambling, research has yet to assess the role of implicit outcome expectancies in gambling. In two studies, we investigated whether implicit and explicit positive gambling outcome expectancies were independent predictors of gambling behaviour (i.e. amount of time spent and money risked gambling; Study 1) and problem gambling severity (Study 2). In both studies, implicit positive gambling outcome expectancies were assessed by having regular gamblers (N = 58 in Study 1; N = 96 in Study 2) complete a gambling outcome expectancy reaction time (RT) task. A self-report measure of positive gambling outcome expectancies was used to assess participants' explicit positive gambling outcome expectancies. Both the RT task and self-report measure of positive gambling outcome expectancies significantly contributed unique as well as shared variance in the prediction of self-reported gambling behaviour (Study 1) and problem gambling severity (Study 2). Findings from the current research point to the importance of using both direct and indirect assessment modes when examining the role of outcome expectancies in gambling.     

Online gambling participation and problem gambling severity: is there a causal relationship?

Studies of Internet gambling have consistently shown that online gamblers are more likely to report disordered gambling behaviour than offline gamblers. However, little research has focused on whether this is a causal relationship or whether this risk factor is capturing a relationship with one or more missing variables. To address whether there is a strong causal argument for the effect of online gambling participation on problem gambling severity, we use a secondary data method that corrects for potential omitted variable bias. Once this issue is addressed, we find that past-year participation in online gambling is related to a decrease in problem gambling severity, which is the opposite of the popular view in current literature. The estimates in this study are found to be robust to various forms of online gambling, control variables and problem gambling measurement instruments. The findings were also consistent when using a representative sample from the United Kingdom and when using an online research panel from Ontario, Canada. As a primary force against the widespread adoption of Internet gambling has been public health concern over problem gambling, this study provides evidence that such decisions should be more closely considered by policymakers.     

The Powerlessness of Control: A Unifying Model for the Treatment of Male Battering and Substance Addiction

ABSTRACT

The high incidence of partner abuse among substance addicted men calls for a unified model of treatment. Grace Therapy is an approach for the treatment of male batterers based on the 12-Step Program of AA/NA. Clinical evidence relates the internal processes of male batterers and substance-addicted men to similar issues in which feelings of powerlessness arise. Powerlessness has three levels: behavioral, mental, and spiritual. By addressing the behavioral and mental levels, men can become abstinent by avoiding the situations, behaviors, and mental motives that lead them to violence and substance abuse. Recovery and healing occur within the spiritual level through a transformation of the men's attitudes towards the world and themselves–a transformation from self-centeredness to God-centeredness, which produces a growing capacity within the men to care for others unconditionally.     

Women Who Have Taken Their Lives Back from Compulsive Gambling: Results from an Online Survey

ABSTRACT

Although up to half of all gamblers and at least one-third of all problem gamblers are women in the United States, they are underrepresented and overlooked in research studies, treatment, and in the minds of the American public. This paper describes the results of an online survey of women in recovery from compulsive gambling, including demographics, family history, gambling activities, and consequences, and recovery patterns. The results indicate that the primarily white, middle-class, and professional women who responded (N = 178) experienced a high rate of co-occurring substance abuse and depression, troubled family histories, and an array of serious consequences to their gambling. Recovery was primarily supported through Gamblers Anonymous (GA), although 24% recovered without professional or GA help. Their experiences present a compelling case for professional helpers to become informed about this growing problem.     

Pathological Gambling and Treatment Outcomes for Adults Age 50 or Older in Methadone Maintenance Treatment

This study examined the relationship of pathological gambling to negative treatment outcomes for methadone maintenance patients aged 50 or older. The study included 130 methadone maintenance patients. Pathological gambling was determined using the Lie-Bet, a screen for pathological gambling; the outcomes were remaining in treatment and negative urine screens for drug use. Twenty percent of the sample identified as pathological gamblers. Pathological gambling was unrelated to remaining in treatment or negative urine screens. Although pathological gambling had no adverse influence on these treatment outcomes, the prevalence of pathological gambling suggests that screening for it may provide insights about other concerns.     

Inuit Elderly: A Systematic Review of Peer Reviewed Journal Articles

Over the last century, Inuit have experienced rapid social changes that have greatly impacted their way of life, health, and intergenerational traditions. Although there is a growing body of research concerning Inuit youth, relatively little is known about elderly Inuit. In an effort to bridge this knowledge gap, a systematic review of peer-reviewed journal articles was conducted. This review identified a dearth of research on older Inuit, and highlighted limitations in service provision to this primarily rural and isolated population. Implications for policy and practice and recommendations for future research are also discussed.     

Rising to the Challenge of Treating OEF/OIF Veterans with Co‐occurring PTSD and Substance Abuse

This article reviews data on the relatively high incidence of Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) veterans reporting mental health and substance abuse problems, and some perceived barriers that may account for low rates of their engaging in treatment. Treatment outcomes for veterans with co‐occurring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) are generally poorer than for those with PTSD or substance abuse alone. Several evidence‐based individual therapy approaches offered by VA Medical Centers are described along with how they conceptualize the relationship of substance abuse to PTSD. Problems with sequential treatment for persons with PTSD and substance abuse in specialized programs are discussed, including notably the practice of requiring veterans to be completely drug and alcohol free for a month or longer prior to entering PTSD treatment. Several integrated treatment programs are described along with a brief summary of evidence supporting their effectiveness. Some recent policy changes from the Department of Veterans Affairs that bode well for the future of PTSD/SUD treatment are described. Differences between younger and older veterans were cited along with their implications for treatment. Recommendations regarding how to better engage and retain OEF/OIF veterans with PTSD/SUD in treatment are presented together with examples of their implementation. The author concludes that to rise to the challenge of treating this difficult population it is necessary to adapt treatment to meet their needs rather than requiring them to adapt to therapies that may not be a good fit.     

农村留守儿童网络成瘾原因和干预策略

随着网络的迅速发展,在缺乏父母监护、同辈群体诱导偏差和社会监管薄弱等因素的影响下,农村留守儿童中出现了诸如网络依恋、沉迷游戏等状况,对其身心健康产生了严重的影响。本文从个人、家庭、社会环境等方面对农村留守儿童网络成瘾的原因进行分析,探寻农村留守儿童网络成瘾的影响因素。针对其自身的环境,建议通过以社会工作者为主导,实施综合家庭干预模式和青少年网络成瘾干预小组模式的介入,使农村沉溺网络的留守儿童重回健康成长的轨道。     

巴蜀休闲好赌风考

巴蜀好游嗜赌,自古风尚相沿。早在《隋书》就记载蜀中士人悠闲聚会喜欢意钱等博戏。清代"湖广填四川"后,大量南北移民入四川,各种博戏入巴蜀,赌戏更是南北兼融。在巴蜀地区来看,清代赌风最盛,当为成都平原一带。古今巴蜀地区赌风尤盛,但经济意义上豪赌大博并不明显,民间博戏的休闲娱乐功能更明显。