Sensation Seeking and Gambling Behavior in Adolescence: Can Externalizing Problems Moderate this Relationship?

Abstract

Gambling is a widespread phenomenon during adolescence. Among different risk factors involved in the onset of adolescent gambling behaviors, one factor that is studied is the sensation seeking personality trait. However, the literature is heterogeneous and a direct relationship between sensation seeking and gaming behaviors has not always been highlighted. This suggests that the relationship can be influenced by other factors. In particular, we explored the moderating role of externalizing problems in this relationship. A total of 363 adolescents (232 males and 131 females) aged 14 to 20 (M = 16.35, SD = 1.36) completed a battery of questionnaires aimed to assess their gambling behaviors, as well as the levels of externalizing problems and sensation seeking. The results showed that sensation seeking was associated with gambling severity, but this relationship was significant when externalizing problems were high and medium. On the contrary, when externalizing problems were low, the relationship between sensation seeking and gambling severity was not significant. Overall, sensation seeking in adolescence can favor the implementation of risk behaviors, such as gambling, but only in association with the presence of externalizing problems. Limitations, strengths, and social and clinical implications of the present study are discussed.

Early Detection of Gambling Among At-Risk Adolescents. Validation of EDGAR-A Scale

“…Thus, a wide array of assessment tools is available for these personality traits. However, psychological mechanisms by which these variables might moderate gambling behaviour are still not clear (Kraplin et al, 2014;MacClaren et al, 2011;Tani et al, 2020). Furthermore, these variables are nonspecific factors of gambling, but predictive of multiple risk behaviors.…”

The relationship of gambling with sensation‐seeking behavior and psychological resilience in university students

“…Upon the review of reasons for individuals to play gambling‐based games, it is discerned that the most basic reason was to feel the sensation experienced while awaiting the result of the game. Sensation‐seeking personality traits can be the significant predictors of substance use and dependence among university students (Hamdan‐Mansour et al, 2018; Köksoy Vayısoğlu et al, 2019; Tani et al, 2020). Besides, sensation‐seeking scores increased from childhood to adolescence and decreased from adolescence to adulthood (LaSpada et al, 2020).…”