Impulsivity and Superstitions Create Problems with Gamblers
Posted on 12. Jul, 2011 by Problem Gambling in Gambling Addiction
Cambridge University in England recently completed a study focused on in Science Daily that examined the connection between compulsive gamblers and their impulses and superstitions. Researchers found that those gamblers who were impulsive had a tendency to believe in superstitions and also to blame losses on such things as bad luck. Gamblers also were more apt to make mistakes due to their impulsivity.
The University’s Department of Experimental Psychiatry, Dr. Luke Clark, believes gamblers experience superstitions because of their impulses and beliefs about gambling, suggesting their impulsivity causes a variety of more difficult problems. These superstitions and impulse reactions may shed light as to why some are more likely to become addictive gamblers.
Researchers compared a group of 30 gamblers who sought treatment from their clinic, with 30 people who were not gamblers from the general public. Participants were asked a sampling of financial-related questions that involved trading less money than they normally would and that was immediately available versus bigger amounts available in the future to test their impulsivity.
The study also showed that the gamblers’ mood affected their gambling tendencies as well and depending on that mood, could prompt a spree of gambling. The test group was mainly men and several of those tested had other problems relating to their mental well-being such as abuse of alcohol and issues with depression.
Clark stated that there are developments in the future that show promise with therapies to treat psychological problems and new medications. He hopes their research will provide more insight into this gambling problem and be able to help with treatments in the future.
