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Open Access 01-03-2009 | Original Paper

Risk Factors for Problematic Gambling: A Critical Literature Review

Authors: Agneta Johansson, Jon E. Grant, Suck Won Kim, Brian L. Odlaug, K. Gunnar Götestam

Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies | Issue 1/2009

Abstract

This article is a critical review of risk factors for pathological gambling categorized by demographics, physiological and biological factors, cognitive distortions, comorbidity and concurrent symptoms, and personality symptoms and characteristics. There is also a varia section (availability, parents playing, sensory characteristics, schedules of reinforcement, age of onset, and playing duration). The review found very few well established risk factors for pathological gambling (i.e. more than two studies to support the conclusions). Well established risk factors included demographic variables (age, gender), cognitive distortions (erroneous perceptions, illusion of control), sensory characteristics, schedules of reinforcement, comorbid disorders (OCD, drug abuse), and delinquency/illegal acts. An understanding of risk factors for pathological gambling should enhance prevention and treatment approaches.

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Title: Risk Factors for Problematic Gambling: A Critical Literature Review
Authors: Agneta Johansson
Jon E. Grant
Suck Won Kim
Brian L. Odlaug
K. Gunnar Götestam
Publication date: 01-03-2009
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies / Issue 1/2009
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3602
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-008-9088-6

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