Abstract
Attentional bias has been the subject of extensive empirical investigation in connection with chemical addictions, and it
has been demonstrated in users of several different substances. The findings show that substance users seem to notice and
attend to substance-related stimuli more readily than non-substance-related stimuli. Less is known, however, about attentional
bias in pathological gambling. This systematic review investigates the existing empirical evidence on attentional bias in
problem and pathological gamblers. Eleven studies were identified and evaluated following a literature search. Key findings
are that problem and pathological gamblers seem to exhibit attentional bias toward gambling-related stimuli across different
measuring paradigms, although some negative findings were reported. Recommendations aimed at improving research on this topic
include better validation of measures, the inclusion of manipulations of craving level, and adding variations in gambling
severity as a variable, as well as gambling preference. Research on therapeutic procedures aimed at reducing attentional bias
is also recommended.
has been demonstrated in users of several different substances. The findings show that substance users seem to notice and
attend to substance-related stimuli more readily than non-substance-related stimuli. Less is known, however, about attentional
bias in pathological gambling. This systematic review investigates the existing empirical evidence on attentional bias in
problem and pathological gamblers. Eleven studies were identified and evaluated following a literature search. Key findings
are that problem and pathological gamblers seem to exhibit attentional bias toward gambling-related stimuli across different
measuring paradigms, although some negative findings were reported. Recommendations aimed at improving research on this topic
include better validation of measures, the inclusion of manipulations of craving level, and adding variations in gambling
severity as a variable, as well as gambling preference. Research on therapeutic procedures aimed at reducing attentional bias
is also recommended.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Review Paper
- Pages 1-17
- DOI 10.1007/s10899-012-9315-z
- Authors
- Audhild Hønsi, Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Christiesgt 12, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Rune Aune Mentzoni, Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Christiesgt 12, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Helge Molde, Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Christiesgt 12, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Ståle Pallesen, Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Christiesgt 12, 5020 Bergen, Norway
- Journal Journal of Gambling Studies
- Online ISSN 1573-3602
- Print ISSN 1050-5350