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Abstract
Cognitive distortions are typically identified as an important etiological factor in pathological gambling. The Gambling Cognitions Inventory (GCI) developed by Holub (2003) is examined in this study using a sample of 710 pathological gamblers collected in four Canadian studies. Confirmatory factor analysis did not support the initial 40-item scale and suggested a 33-item scale. The sample was split into two groups to conduct exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Scree plots and parallel analysis suggested a two-factor scale. The scale developed by exploratory factor analysis on the first sample was supported by confirmatory factor analysis on the second sample (CFI>0.95; RMSEA < 0.05). The two factors indicated a Skill and Attitude subscale and a Luck and Chance subscale. Analysis conducted within each of the four studies showed good internal reliability for the scale (range of α = 0.91–0.95) and subscales (α = 0.77–0.92). The scale and subscales correlated with gambling severity measures as well as other measures of gambling cognitions including the Gambling Attitudes and Beliefs Scale and the Gambling Beliefs Questionnaire. The results of the study indicate that the GCI is a psychometrically strong scale and may be beneficial in directing cognitive therapy to the most problematic cognitions.
Funding
Funding for this study was provided by the Alberta Gambling Research Institute (AGRI).
Notes
1. J is added to distinguish the Gambling Beliefs Questionnaire by Joukhador et al. (Citation2003) from the Gambler's Beliefs Questionnaire created by Steenbergh et al. (Citation2002).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Ashley McInnes
Ashley McInnes, MA, is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Guelph. She conducted this work as a research assistant in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary.
David C. Hodgins
David C. Hodgins, PhD, is a professor in the Program in Clinical Psychology in the Department of Psychology, University of Calgary. He is also the Head of the Department of Psychology and a coordinator with the Alberta Gaming Research Institute. He is registered as a Clinical Psychologist in Alberta.
Alice Holub
Alice Holub, PhD, works as a registered psychologist at Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary. She conducted initial work on the development of this scale as part of her graduate studies at the University of Calgary.