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Problem Gambling of Chinese College Students: Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior

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Abstract

The present study, using the theory of planned behavior (TPB), investigated psychological correlates of intention to gamble and problem gambling among Chinese college students. Nine hundred and thirty two Chinese college students (aged from 18 to 25 years) in Hong Kong and Macao were surveyed. The findings generally support the efficacy of the TPB in explaining gambling intention and problems among Chinese college students. Specifically, the results of the path analysis indicate gambling intention and perceived control over gambling as the most proximal predictors of problem gambling, whereas attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control, which are TPB components, influence gambling intention. Thus, these three TPB components should make up the core contents of the prevention and intervention efforts against problem gambling for Chinese college students.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Macau, Av. Padre Tomas Pereira, Taipa, Macao, China

    Anise M. S. Wu

  2. National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

    Catherine So-kum Tang

Authors
  1. Anise M. S. Wu
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  2. Catherine So-kum Tang
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Correspondence to Anise M. S. Wu.

Appendix: Items of the Scale of Perceived Control over Gambling Refusal

Appendix: Items of the Scale of Perceived Control over Gambling Refusal

  1. 1.

    I can control myself not to gamble if I try hard enough.

  2. 2.

    Even if someone opposes me, I can find ways to refuse to engage in gambling.

  3. 3.

    It is easy for me to stick to the goal of not gambling.

  4. 4.

    I am confident that I can efficiently handle unexpected events arisen from my refusal to engage in gambling.

  5. 5.

    My intelligence enables me to handle unforeseen situations related to gambling refusal.

  6. 6.

    I can solve most of the problems related to gambling refusal if I make enough efforts.

  7. 7.

    As I believe in my ability and skills, I can stay calm when facing the difficulties related to control over my gambling.

  8. 8.

    When I face a problem related to gambling refusal, I can usually think of several alternatives.

  9. 9.

    I can usually think of a way out even if I am in a difficult situation to refuse to engage in gambling.

  10. 10.

    No matter what happens to me, I can usually say no to gambling.

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Wu, A.M.S., Tang, C.Sk. Problem Gambling of Chinese College Students: Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior. J Gambl Stud 28, 315–324 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-011-9250-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-011-9250-4

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