An evaluation of the pathways model of problem gambling using the Quinte Longitudinal Dataset
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Date
2017
Authors
Mader, Joel
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education
Abstract
The pathways model proposed by Blaszczynski and Nower (2002) suggests that problematic gambling may result from three related but distinguishable etiological paths. The present study sought to test the tenets of the model by using the Quinte Longitudinal Dataset (Williams et al., 2015). A latent class analysis was completed using 125 first-time problem gamblers and a three-class solution was found to best fit to the data. The three latent classes identified shared important similarities with the pathways model typologies. There was a group of otherwise normal gamblers who resembled the Behaviourally Conditioned typology, a class of gamblers with elevated antisociality and impulsivity resembling the Anti-social Impulsivist gambler, and a class that shared consistencies, although to a lesser extent than the previous classes, with the Emotionally Vulnerable gambler. Despite these consistencies with the model, anxiety and depression were not found to be significant class predictors. The Behaviourally Conditioned and the Emotionally Vulnerable classes did not appear to be as well differentiated as would be expected given the pathways suppositions. In summary, the findings from the present study do provide support the existence of subgroups of problem gamblers and these subgroups may have important implications for treatment and prevention efforts.
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Keywords
etiology , first-time problem gamblers , latent class analysis , pathways model typologies , pre-problem gambling traits , problem gambling , Compulsive gambling -- Etiology , Compulsive gambling -- Psychological aspects , Compulsive gambling -- Diagnosis -- Research , Compulsive gamblers -- Research