Initial Development and Psychometric Properties of the Gambling Disorder Test in a Nationally Representative Sample of Adults

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

Gambling disorder (GD) is an officially recognized mental health disorder. However, its conceptualization and diagnostic criteria have changed substantially over the years due to new clinical and epidemiological research supporting its reconceptualization from an impulse control disorder to an addictive disorder. The evolving nature of GD led to changes in its diagnostic approach within the 11^th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11). However, no updated standardized psychometric test reflecting the latest developments exists. Therefore, the goal of the present study was to develop and report the psychometric properties of the Gambling Disorder Test (GDT), a brief and convenient four-item assessment instrument reflecting the current diagnostic criteria for GD in the ICD-11. A nationally representative sample of British adults was recruited (N = 1,028, M_age = 46.54 years, SD_age = 15.71). The results showed a one-factor solution for the GDT and initial support for the scale’s factorial validity, population cross-validity, criterion validity, concurrent validity, and reliability. Further gender-based measurement invariance was conducted, with the GDT exhibiting full scalar invariance and the results of latent mean comparison showing that males had significantly higher GD latent means compared to females (latent mean difference = −0.156; z = −3.844, p < .001, d = −.249). The self-reported prevalence of GD in the sample was 0.49%. The GDT is a promising brief assessment instrument based on the latest conceptualization and diagnostic criteria for GD that can be employed by clinicians and researchers alike.

Loot box purchases and their relationship with internet gaming disorder and online gambling disorder in adolescents: A prospective study

Sun, 29 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

In recent years, the video game industry has introduced Loot Box (LB), a new type of microtransaction in which a gamer uses real currency to purchase a random virtual item within a video game. Recently, LBs became more widespread and there is evidence suggesting their similarity to online gambling. Although some studies have investigated the association between LBs with disordered gaming and disordered gambling, very few have done so with clinical indicators of these problems. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge no longitudinal evidence of such relationships currently exists in the literature. Therefore, the present study aimed to 1) ascertain the stability of LB purchasing in minors and 2) investigate the associations between LB purchasing with gambling online and online gambling disorder within six months. A prospective cohort study was conducted at two time points six months apart. In total, 2.213 Spanish adolescents (1.067 [48.9%] boys) aged between 11 and 17 years participated in both waves. The purchase of LBs was prevalent and stable in the sample across the six months. While a positive relationship was found between purchasing LBs and online gambling six months later, the relationships between purchasing LBs and the presentation of online gambling disorder and gaming disorder require further study.

Gambling Disorder | Dr. Halley Pontes

Initial Development and Psychometric Properties of the Gambling Disorder Test in a Nationally Representative Sample of Adults

Loot box purchases and their relationship with internet gaming disorder and online gambling disorder in adolescents: A prospective study