Self-perception of gambling problems among adolescents identified as at-risk or problem gamblers.
The relative influence of perceived familial addictive behaviors and personal gambling behaviors on adolescents' self-perceptions of gambling problems was examined. Students from five high schools in Connecticut (N = 3,886) were surveyed. Of those between the ages of 14 and 17 who scored two or more on the South Oaks Gambling Screen--Revised for Adolescents (n = 532; 72% male; 43% Caucasian), 14.3% reported having a current or past problem with gambling. Wagering larger amounts in a single day, gambling on a daily basis, and perceived presence of a family member with a gambling problem were associated with increased odds of self-perception of a gambling problem. Thus, adolescents who may be less likely to be identified for prevention efforts (due to lack of engagement in high stakes gambling or the real/perceived absence of a problematic gambler in the home) appear less likely to perceive a gambling problem. To advance prevention and treatment strategies, the apparent discrepancy between adolescents' self-perceptions and objective reports of problem gambling behaviors warrants further investigation.
Cronce
Jessica M
JM
Department of Psychology, Yale University, P.O. Box 208205, New Haven, CT 06520-8205, USA. jessica.cronce@yale.edu
Corbin
William R
WR
Steinberg
Marvin A
MA
Potenza
Marc N
MN
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D017668:Age of Onset; D016739:Behavior, Addictive / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D003237:Connecticut / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010379:Peer Group; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012649:Self Concept; D012647:Self-Assessment; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires