Risk Tolerance, Impulsivity, and Self-esteem: Differences and Similarities between Gamblers and Non-Gamblers in a Pilot Study

Abstract

Risk-taking ranges from socially beneficial entrepreneurship through games of chance as entertainment to problem gambling that can be both individually and socially destructive. There are many conflicting theories about what leads individuals to become gamblers, although some consensus suggests a link to personality traits. Links between gambling and impulsivity, risk tolerance and self-esteem remain unclear, and childhood experiences may be pertinent. To explore these issues, we studied 41 non-gamblers and compared them to 16 individuals identified as frequent gamblers in which both groups completed a psychological battery. The study goal was to try and determine which measures best relate to high propensities towards gambling, particularly with regards to different domains of risk tolerance. In this small sample, the results show the gamblers to have statistically significantly greater financial, recreational and social risk tolerance, as well as higher impulsivity and more favorable attitudes towards gambling overall. In contrast, there were no statistically significant differences in self-esteem and adverse childhood experiences. Multivariate models reveal three measures of risk tolerance to significantly contribute to gambling propensity. While differences in impulsivity exist to some degree, those for self-esteem and adverse childhood experiences were less important. This preliminary research suggests that risk tolerance may be a key psychological determinant in gamblers, but this relatively small study does not support previous suggestions that impulsivity, low self-esteem, or adverse childhood experiences are as important. Repeated studies with larger samples may help further clarify these findings.

Alexithymia and Emotion Regulation Strategies in Adolescent Gamblers with and Without At-Risk Profiles

“…Bonnaire et al ( 2017 ) also found higher levels of depression in pathological gamblers when compared with non-pathological gamblers, whereas Maniaci et al ( 2017 ) found a greater tendency to show negative emotional states such as anger. Nevertheless, another study, conducted by Suen et al ( 2017 ), found significant differences between non-problem and problem gamblers in variables such as impulsivity and risk-tolerance, whereas Jara-Rizzo et al ( 2019 ) highlighted the potential relationship between affect-mediated impulsivity and gambling-related cognitions in gamblers. In the same line, other studies have found greater levels of alexithymia in university students with problem gambling behavior in comparison with non-problem gamblers (Parker et al, 2005 ).…”

The Relationship between Impulsiveness, Self-Esteem, Irrational Gambling Belief and Problem Gambling Moderating Effects of Gender

“…Impulsivity, a personality trait which refers to hasty and inappropriate behavior is also considered to influence the severity of gambling-related problem [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Impulsive characteristics and gambling-related cognitions are recognized as two major psychological factors in the emergence and retention of problem gambling [ 14 ]. A meta-analysis on the relationship between impulsivity and problem gambling showed that intensified impulsive choice, impulsive motor responses, impulsive decision-making, reflection impulsivity, and impulsive cognitive bias are related to gambling disorders; moreover, impulsive decision-making may extend to problem gambling [ 10 ].…”

Improving Resilience and Self-Esteem among University Students with Entrepreneurship Simulation Board Game

“…As previously mentioned, 2DMSE explained that SE is an integrated sum of self-worth and selfcompetence [27], [28]; therefore, its adequacy is significant for every individual. It has been said to be the factor of adequate academic achievements [43], success of teaching and learning [44], risk tolerance in entrepreneurship [45], and even the way individuals choose the course of action in entrepreneurship; individuals with dominant self-worth tend to pursue opportunities in Kirnzerian way, while those with dominant self-competence tend to pursue opportunities in Schumpeterian way [25].…”