A longitudinal examination of gambling subtypes in young adulthood

ABSTRACT

In previous research informed by the Pathways Model (an aetiological framework for problem and disordered gambling), latent mixture modelling was used to identify subtypes of gamblers based on measures of impulsivity, anxiety, depression, drug use, and alcohol dependence. The current study extended these findings by: (a) determining if similar subtypes would be identified in the same sample two years later; and (b) utilizing latent transition analysis (LTA) to determine if class membership remained stable over this time period. The sample (N = 566) included young adult gamblers. In line with previous work on Wave 2 of these data and theoretical considerations, a three class model of gamblers was retained at Wave 4: Non-Problem, Emotionally Vulnerable, and Impulsive. The LTA suggested that the majority of Non-Problem gamblers remained in the same class over time. In contrast, Emotionally Vulnerable gamblers were most likely to transition into the Non-Problem Gambler class, and Impulsive Gamblers were equally likely to transition into the Non-Problem and Emotionally Vulnerable classes. Our study provides evidence for the subtypes of gamblers outlined in the Pathways Model. It is also the first study to provide evidence that membership within Emotionally Vulnerable and Impulsive gambling subtypes is unstable during young adulthood.

KEYWORDS:

• Gambling subtypes
• pathways
• young adult
• emerging adulthood
• latent mixture modelling
• latent transition analysis

Acknowledgements

This work was supported by a grant from the Manitoba Gambling Research Program of Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries [314592], and by a scholarship from the Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba (to D. A. D.). The findings and conclusions of this paper are those solely of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of either funder. The authors have no conflicts of interest or competing interests. There are 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 the Department of Psychology at York University. 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 the Department of 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 and Criminology and senior fellow at St John’s College, University of Manitoba. His research interests focus on the various dimensions of social and educational inequality, as well as youth gambling, addiction and mental health.