Reduced inhibitory control predicts persistence in laboratory slot machine gambling

Gaëtan Devos, Luke Clark, Pierre Maurage, Marlena Kazimierczuk and Joël Billieux

International Gambling Studies, 2015, vol. 15, issue 3, 408-421

Abstract: Impairments in inhibitory control characterize a range of addictive behaviours including gambling disorder. This study investigated the relationship between a neuropsychological measure of inhibitory control and behaviour on a simulated slot machine that included a measure of gambling persistence, in a non-clinical sample of regular gamblers. Regular gamblers ( n = 75) performed a laboratory slot machine task for 30 trials where they could win real money, followed by a persistence phase under extinction (i.e. without wins). Participants also completed a stop-signal task, along with measures of gambling-related cognitions, social desirability, and symptoms of disordered gambling. In hierarchical regression models, reduced inhibitory control was found to predict greater persistence and a higher subjective desire to play again after both wins and near-misses (i.e. unsuccessful outcomes close to the jackpot). These data illustrate the impact of low inhibitory control on relevant behavioural tendencies in a group of regular gamblers. Our results help elucidate a cognitive process that may contribute to problem gambling, with implications for screening and treatment.

Date: 2015
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:taf:intgms:v:15:y:2015:i:3:p:408-421

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DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2015.1068351

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