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01-09-2013 | Review Paper

Attentional Bias in Problem Gambling: A Systematic Review

Authors: Audhild Hønsi, Rune Aune Mentzoni, Helge Molde, Ståle Pallesen

Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies | Issue 3/2013

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.

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Title: Attentional Bias in Problem Gambling: A Systematic Review
Authors: Audhild Hønsi
Rune Aune Mentzoni
Helge Molde
Ståle Pallesen
Publication date: 01-09-2013
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies / Issue 3/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3602
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-012-9315-z

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