A latent class analysis of young adult gamblers from the Manitoba Longitudinal Survey of Young Adults

ABSTRACT

Informed by the Pathways Model, the current study utilized latent class analysis (LCA) to empirically derive subtypes of gamblers based on measures of impulsivity, anxiety, depression, drug use and alcohol dependence. The sample in this study (N = 566) was comprised of young adult gamblers (18–22 years of age) who participated in the Manitoba Longitudinal Survey of Young Adults (MLSYA). Multinomial regression was utilized to examine how demographic variables and participant scores on the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) predicted membership in gambler classes from the LCA. Results of the LCA revealed three classes of gamblers: emotionally vulnerable, non-problem and impulsive. Multinomial regression showed that older age (i.e. 20–22 years of age), lower income (< $20,000 per year), living independently and PGSI scores were associated with increased odds of being classified as an impulsive gambler. Identifying as European, living independently and PGSI scores were associated with increased odds of being grouped in the emotionally vulnerable class of gambler. These results suggest that young adult gamblers are not a homogeneous group but instead are best understood as falling into different subtypes based on shared characteristics outlined in the Pathways Model.

KEYWORDS:

• Gambling
• gambler subtypes
• pathways
• young adult
• emerging adulthood
• latent class analysis

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a grant from the Manitoba Gambling Research Program of Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries, and by a scholarship from the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba (to D. A. D.). The findings and conclusions of this article are those solely of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the funder.

Conflicts of interest

The authors have no competing interests.

Competing interests

The authors have no competing interests.

Constraints on publishing

There were no constraints on publishing.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Manitoba Gambling Research Program[314592].

Notes on contributors

Damien A. Dowd

Damien A. Dowd is a doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology programme at the University of Manitoba. His research focuses on using latent class analysis to identify subtypes of gamblers in non-clinical samples, and in using latent transition analysis to gain insight into how risk for problem gambling may change over time in adolescents and young adults.

Matthew T. Keough

Matthew T. Keough is an assistant professor in Psychology at the University of Manitoba. His research focuses on improving our understanding of the aetiology and treatment of addictive behaviour, including both substance use and behavioural addictions (e.g. problem gambling). His work is rooted in motivational models of personality and cognitive theory, and aimed at identifying risk factors for addiction and the mechanisms underlying this risk.

Lorna S. Jakobson

Lorna S. Jakobson is a professor in Psychology at the University of Manitoba. Her work focuses on long-term neurodevelopmental sequelae of extremely premature birth, and on disorders affecting social functioning (e.g. autism spectrum disorders, alexithymia). Her particular interests lie in the areas of cortical visual functions, social perception/cognition, and individual differences.

James M. Bolton

James M. Bolton is an associate professor in the Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology and Community Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba. He is also an adjunct scientist at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy, and is the medical director of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority Crisis Response Centre (CRC). His research interests include suicide, bereavement and psychiatric epidemiology. He has worked extensively with government and national-level organizations in suicide prevention.

Jason D. Edgerton

Jason D. Edgerton is an associate professor in the Department of Sociology at the University of Manitoba. He uses quantitative methods to explore questions relating to social inequality, stratification, class and power; sociology of education and work; youth gambling, substance use and addiction; social determinants of health; comparative social policy; race/ethnicity and immigration; and globalization.