Abstract
Students are among the most prevalent gamblers with the highest incidence of problem gambling. Furthermore, research into
gambling has noted certain personality traits and coping mechanisms to be highly predictive of gambling in student populations.
The present study examined the role of impulsivity, sensation seeking, coping strategies, and year of study in predicting
gambling frequency in students. An opportunity sample of 109 university students (53 first year students and 56 final year
students) were administered a survey including the Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking, the Barrett Impulsiveness Scale,
and the Student Coping Scale. The results indicated that impulsivity and being in the first year of study were significantly
predictive of gambling frequency. The findings suggest the importance of personality traits, the year of study, and specific
coping mechanisms in understanding motivations to gamble. The findings particularly suggest the importance of providing gambling
educational awareness among first year students.
gambling has noted certain personality traits and coping mechanisms to be highly predictive of gambling in student populations.
The present study examined the role of impulsivity, sensation seeking, coping strategies, and year of study in predicting
gambling frequency in students. An opportunity sample of 109 university students (53 first year students and 56 final year
students) were administered a survey including the Arnett Inventory of Sensation Seeking, the Barrett Impulsiveness Scale,
and the Student Coping Scale. The results indicated that impulsivity and being in the first year of study were significantly
predictive of gambling frequency. The findings suggest the importance of personality traits, the year of study, and specific
coping mechanisms in understanding motivations to gamble. The findings particularly suggest the importance of providing gambling
educational awareness among first year students.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-13
- DOI 10.1007/s11469-011-9326-5
- Authors
- Luke A. Benson, International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Division Nottingham Trent University, Burton Street, Nottingham, NG1 4BU UK
- Christine Norman, International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Division Nottingham Trent University, Burton Street, Nottingham, NG1 4BU UK
- Mark D. Griffiths, International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Division Nottingham Trent University, Burton Street, Nottingham, NG1 4BU UK
- Journal International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
- Online ISSN 1557-1882
- Print ISSN 1557-1874