The Profiles of Gamblers Seeking Counseling Services Evidence from Chinese Gamblers in Hong Kong

This study maps the demographic profiles of 4,480 clients of ten problem gambling services in Hong Kong. It attempts to identify help-seekers' characteristics associated with gender, adolescent onset of gambling, and suicidal thoughts/attempts. This aggregation of data to form a gambler service user profile among Hong Kong Chinese is the first of its kind. Service and research implications are discussed.     

A latent class analysis of young adult gamblers from the Manitoba Longitudinal Survey of Young Adults

Informed by the Pathways Model, the current study utilized latent class analysis (LCA) to empirically derive subtypes of gamblers based on measures of impulsivity, anxiety, depression, drug use and alcohol dependence. The sample in this study (N = 566) was comprised of young adult gamblers (18–22 years of age) who participated in the Manitoba Longitudinal Survey of Young Adults (MLSYA). Multinomial regression was utilized to examine how demographic variables and participant scores on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) predicted membership in gambler classes from the LCA. Results of the LCA revealed three classes of gamblers: emotionally vulnerable, non-problem and impulsive. Multinomial regression showed that older age (i.e. 20–22 years of age), lower income (< $20,000 per year), living independently and PGSI scores were associated with increased odds of being classified as an impulsive gambler. Identifying as European, living independently and PGSI scores were associated with increased odds of being grouped in the emotionally vulnerable class of gambler. These results suggest that young adult gamblers are not a homogeneous group but instead are best understood as falling into different subtypes based on shared characteristics outlined in the Pathways Model.     

Impulsivity traits and gambling cognitions associated with gambling preferences and clinical status

Impulsivity (and related traits reward/punishment sensitivity and tolerance to delayed rewards) and gambling cognitions have been linked to gambling. However, their independent associations with gambling preferences and clinical status have never been dissociated. The current study applied a data-driven strategy to identify gambling preferences, based on gambling frequency in several modalities. The two resulting factors were used to classify gambling disorder patients (GDPs) and non-problem recreational gamblers (RGs) into Type I (preferring cards, casino games and skill-based bets) and Type II (preferring slot machines, lotteries/pools and bingo). Participants were assessed in impulsivity, delay discounting, reward/punishment sensitivity, gambling-related cognitions, gambling severity, gambling frequency and average amount gambled per episode. GDPs scored higher than RGs in positive and negative urgency, delay discounting, reward sensitivity and intensity of gambling-related cognitions, but less in lack of perseverance. Additionally, Type II gamblers had greater difficulties delaying gratification, whereas Type I gamblers showed higher cognitive distortion and reward sensitivity levels. In practical terms, the finding that some characteristics are equally pervasive in disordered gamblers independently of their preferences (affect-driven impulsivity), whereas others (distorted cognitions, reward sensitivity, delay discounting) are more prominent in one type or the other, provides a basis to establish targets’ priority in therapy.     

客位及主位认知：六十年侗族“嘎老”亚种分类述评

在侗族南部地区的诸多民歌种类中,“嘎老”因多声部音乐特征被单独分为一种.六十年里学界关于“嘎老”的亚种分类存在不同认知,这种分歧源于客位及主位研究.分类标准不统一导致结论存在差异.对“嘎老”的亚种分类,不应立足于音乐特征而是思想内容.     

A mixed method approach to developing a multidimensional scale for gambling fallacy in the Korean context

This article offers an understanding of and reduces gaps in the existing literature regarding cognitive distortion (e.g. gambling fallacy) and problem gambling behaviour. The primary objective of this study is to develop a valid gambling fallacy scale for the South Korean population using qualitative and quantitative methods to thoroughly understand the underlying structure of erroneous beliefs towards gambling among recreational and problem gamblers. The study interviewed eight casino supervisors and dealers and conducted online (n = 1419 gamblers) and onsite surveys (n = 400 gamblers) in South Korea. The proposed scale satisfies reliability and numerous types of validity that provide evidence on the three distinctive underlying structures of gambling fallacy (i.e. a system to win, superstitions, and follow and blame) among the Korean population. This study carries substantial theoretical and practical implications that further assure its usability as a platform for developing scales in various cultural settings.     

我国财产保险保费收入影响因素的实证研究

财产保险保费收入是衡量财产保险发展水平的一个重要依据.从财产保险的险种构成出发,使用固定个体效应回归模型,以2007-2012年我国31个省、直辖市的财产保险保费收入为面板数据,找出反映财产保险的主要险种分别对我国财产保险保费收入的影响,最终得出财产保险保费收入与其影响因素之间的回归方程和经济含义.因此,该研究结果有助于更有针对性地采取相应的措施解决现有问题,提升我国财产保险业的广度和深度;同时也为我国的保险公司制定战略和改进特定业务提供方向,为政府制定有关财产保险行业的政策提供依据,最终促进宏观经济的增长.     

Something for nothing: A model of gambling behavior

Gambling is an ancient economic activity, but despite its universality and importance, no single explanation for the demand for gambles has gained ascendance among economists. This paper suggests that the demand for gambles is based on the ability to obtain “something for nothing.” That is, the gain from gambling is not merely additional income, but additional income for which the gambler does not need to work. Thus, to fully understand gambling behavior, it must be placed in a labor supply context. The theory is tested empirically using the Survey of Gambling in the U.S. Support for the theory is found.     

美国教师职业倦怠的案例研究

20世纪60~70年代开始,美国的一批临床心理学家开始关注职业倦怠问题,90年代后职业倦怠研究扩展到教育领域。美国哥伦比亚大学教育心理学教授法泊提出教师职业倦怠有三种类型:情绪衰竭型、狂热型、能力富余型。不同类型的教师倦怠需要不同的应对策略,本文以情绪衰竭型教师为例,分析一个美国高中教师倦怠的表现及其应对策略。     

Juvenile Gambling in North America: An Analysis of Long Term Trends and Future Prospects

Long term trends, based on findings from twenty independent prevalence studies surveying middle and high school youth in North America, suggest that within the past year two out of three legally underage youth have gambled for money. In the United States and Canada as many as 15.3 million 12–17 year olds have been gambling with or without adult awareness or approval, and 2.2 million of these are experiencing serious gambling-related problems. Lottery play dominates legalized forms of gambling among juveniles in both the United States and Canada. Trends between 1984–1999 indicate a substantial increase in the proportion of juveniles who report gambling within the past year, and a parallel increase in the proportion of juveniles reporting serious gambling-related problems. Yet, there continues to be little public awareness or concern about the extent, or the potential hazards associated with juvenile gambling. A composite profile of juveniles reporting numerous gambling problems is contrasted with their peers who reported few or none. Future prospects concerning this growing problem are offered.     

An exploratory study of alcohol dependence and problem gambling co-development trajectories in young adults

This study examines whether there are multiple trajectories of alcohol dependence and problem gambling symptom co-occurrence in a sample (n = 679) of emerging adults. Six joint trajectory classes were identified and several baseline risk factors were associated with increased probability of being in more problematic joint trajectory classes relative to the low-risk normative class. There was no joint trajectory class characterized by both higher problem gambling risk and persistent high alcohol dependence, suggesting that alcohol dependence and problem gambling are not directly related but perhaps share common underlying causes. Contrary to this, though, none of the examined risk factors were common to both more problematic gambling and drinking trajectories. Overall, the findings (which should be considered exploratory due to small class sizes) suggest the co-development of alcohol and gambling is not uniform across all young adults, and that the reciprocal nature of this relationship in adulthood may not solidify until later in young adulthood. Future research should re-examine these findings with a larger sample, spanning further into adulthood, with additional risk factors.