Psychometric properties of the Gambling Related Cognitions Scale (GRCS) in young Italian gamblers. (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Donati, Maria Anna; Ancona, Francesco; Chiesi, Francesca; Primi, Caterina
• Is Part Of: Addictive behaviors. Volume 45(2015)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 7
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: GRCS -- Gambling-related cognitions -- Cognitive distortions -- Adolescents -- Validity; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; Nicotine addiction -- Periodicals; Smoking -- Periodicals; Gambling -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 362.29
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2015.01.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0306-4603

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The involvement in gambling activities is increasing among adolescents, together with the risk of developing gambling problems. Given the important role of erroneous beliefs on adolescent problematic gambling behavior, the aim of this study was to investigate the adequacy of the Gambling Related Cognitions Scale (GRCS;Raylu & Oei, 2004 ) to assess gambling-related distortions among youth in Italy. Methods: The scale was administered to 1656 Italian high school students (65% males, mean age = 16.15 years, SD = 1.44), and analyses were carried out with respondents who have gambled during the previous year ( N = 1224). Results: The adequacy of the five-factor model was confirmed (both among male and female adolescent gamblers), as well as the reliability of the total scale and subscales. Evidence for the validity of the GRCS among adolescents was provided confirming the relationship between gambling-related cognitions and problem gambling found in previous studies. Research on the validity of the scale was also extended by investigating the relationship between cognitive distortions about gambling and the frequency of engaging in different gambling activities. Conclusions: Our results confirm that the GRCS is an effective multidimensional instrument which accurately measures young gamblers' cognitive distortions relating to gambling. As such, it can be used as a useful tool in the assessment and treatment of juvenile gambling. Highlights: The GRCS psychometric properties in an Italian youth sample have been analyzed. The GRCS factor structure in male and female adolescent gamblers has been verified. We further analyze the validity of the GRCS among young gamblers. The GRCS has good psychometric properties in Italian young gamblers.