Date of Conferral

2018

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Sandra Rasmussen

Abstract

The use of the Internet to gamble has become increasingly prevalent in recent years.

Although researchers have suggested that adult Internet gamblers are at high risk for

developing a gambling disorder, few studies, overall, have been conducted on the effects

of Internet gambling. Furthermore, conflicting research exists regarding what moderates

gambling-related problems. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine if

age, gender, and emotions prior to the gambling experience are related predictors of

Internet problem gambling severity. A retrospective design was used. The pathways

model was used to support the belief that emotions felt before an Internet gambling

session are associated with the severity of the gambling problem. Data were obtained

from adult Internet gamblers who had Internet gambled in the preceding week. One

hundred and fifty participants completed an online survey about the emotions they felt

before an Internet-gambling session and self-reported the negative consequences of their

gambling. The survey contained demographic questions, questions from the Positive and

Negative Affect Schedule (to assess emotions felt before participants' last Internet

gambling session), and questions from the Problem Gambling Severity Index. The results

of the multiple linear regression analysis were significant, indicating that, as a group,

participants' age, gender, and emotions felt prior to the gambling experience predicted

their problem gambling severity. This study can assist with prevention, early intervention,

and treatment of adult Internet gamblers.

Download

Share

 
COinS