Psychological Vulnerability and Problem Gambling: An Application of Durand Jacobs’ General Theory of Addictions to Electronic Gaming Machine Playing in Australia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to conduct an empirical investigation of the validity of Jacobs' (in J Gambl Behav 2:15-31, 1986) general theory of addictions in relation to gambling problems associated with electronic gaming machines (EGM). Regular EGM gamblers (n = 190) completed a series of standardised measures relating to psychological and physiological vulnerability, substance use, dissociative experiences, early childhood trauma and abuse and problem gambling (the Problem Gambling Severity Index). Statistical analysis using structural equation modelling revealed clear relationships between childhood trauma and life stressors and psychological vulnerability, dissociative-like experiences and problem gambling. These findings confirm and extend a previous model validated by Gupta and Derevensky (in J Gambl Stud 14: 17-49, 1998) using an adolescent population. The significance of these findings are discussed for existing pathway models of problem gambling, for Jacobs' theory, and for clinicians engaged in assessment and intervention.

Sexual abuse, residential schooling and probable pathological gambling among Indigenous Peoples

“…More specifically, they show that CSA is associated with probable pathological gambling, which has also been found in studies among Inuit (Larsen et al, 2013) as well as non-Indigenous Peoples (Felsher et al, 2010;Hodgins et al, 2010;McCormick et al, 2012). Although there is an abundant literature on the residential school legacy (e.g., see AHF, 2001;RCAP, 1996), few quantitative studies have been conducted on the outcomes of residential schooling, including pathological gambling (Hewitt et al, 1994, but not in Auger & Hewitt, 2000, substance abuse (Corrado & Cohen, 2003), and mental health problems (Corrado & Cohen, 2003).…”

“…These results suggest that CSA may be more prevalent in pathological gambler populations than in the general population, where approximately 20% of women and 10% of men report CSA (Pereda, Guilera, Forns, & Gòmez-Benito, 2009;Stoltenborgh, Van IJzendoorn, Euser, & Bakermans-Kranenburg, 2011;Tourigny, Hébert, Joly, Cyr, & Baril, 2008). Some recent studies also indicate an association between CSA experiences and pathological gambling (Felsher, Derevensky, & Gupta, 2010;Hodgins et al, 2010;McCormick, Delfabbro, & Denson, 2012), although this relationship was not confirmed in others (Fleming, Mullen, Sibthorpe, & Bammer, 1999;Pérez-Fuentes et al, 2013). Moreover, although the causal chain between CSA and gambling is yet to be ascertained, one study has suggested that sexual trauma can cause emotional vulnerability, which in turn increases gambling behaviors (Blaszczynski & Nower, 2002).…”

“…In Jacobs' general theory of addiction (1986, 2008McCormick et al, 2012), trauma occurring during childhood may lead to the development of physiological and psychological states that predispose to addiction. Addictions, such as pathological gambling, may serve as a means of coping with the suffering of past trauma.…”

“…They thus may be stressors that increase the likelihood of developing pathological gambling. As suggested by several addiction theories, gambling may become a distraction to avoid traumatic memories (Blaszczynski & Nower, 2002;Jacobs, 2008;McCormick et al, 2012).…”

Social strain, couple dynamics and gender differences in gambling problems: Evidence from Chinese married couples

“…Forms of strain experienced during childhood/adolescence thus warrant attention in future gambling research, as indicated by Durand Jacob's general theory of addictions and its empirical extension to addictive gambling behavior (McCormick, Delfabbro, & Denson, 2012). This theory recognizes childhood life stressors as antecedents to adult problem gambling that predispose individuals to develop psychological vulnerabilities and pursue dissociative experiences (as a form of escape from intolerable mood states) through gambling.…”