Gambling behavior in college students: differences in trait-like impulsivity, cognitive distortions and severity as a function of gambling preference

Pathological gambling is characterized by a persistent and excessive pattern of gambling, with interference in personal, social, family and work life. Objective: To examine, in college students, differences in impulsivity trait, cognitive distortions and severity in gambling involvement as a function gambling preference (strategic and non-strategic); and variations in impulsivity as a function of levels of severity in gambling involvement (no risk, low risk, risk). Method: 295 students completed a survey to measure: 1-occurrence and preference of gambling (ad-hoc questionnaire), 2-severity of gambling involvement (Spanish version of the South Oaks Gambling Screen), 3-impulsivity trait (Spanish version of the UPPS-P Impulsivity Behavior Scale), 4-cognitive distortions (Spanish version of the Gamblers' Beliefs Questionnaire). Results: Analysis of Variance revealed significant differences in impulsivity, cognitive distortions and gambling severity as a function of gambling preference; and significant differences in trait-like impulsivity as a function of gambling severity. Conclusion: These findings describe psychological characteristics associated with increased vulnerability to exhibit gambling problems. The findings also suggest that individuals with a preference for strategic gambling or strategic and no strategic gambling, seem to be at heightened risk for problematic gambling.