Psychometric properties of the Problem Gambling Severity Index Among Older Adults

ABSTRACT

The nine-item Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is a self-report measure of problem gambling severity used in empirical and prevalence studies. This study examined the psychometric properties of the PGSI among older adult samples (60+ years), which have not yet been evaluated in the literature. Age equivalence of measures originally developed for use among general adult samples cannot be assumed; thus, such instruments should be evaluated to ensure appropriate use of such measures. Data were derived from the Leisure, Lifestyle, and Lifecycle Project and Quinte Longitudinal Study. Results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses supported a single-factor structure. Factor invariance between genders was identified. Internal consistency was considered good for the overall sample (α = .86). Concurrent validity between monthly overall gambling frequency and game types (EGMs, bingo, and instant win tickets) were supported for both continuous PGSI total score and categorical PGSI. In sum, the PGSI total score accurately reflects the construct of problem gambling among older adults.

KEYWORDS:

• Problem gambling
• older adults
• measurement
• assessment
• psychometrics

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Funding sources

This research was supported by funding provided to J. Gorenko by a Joseph-Armand Bombardier Graduate Scholarship from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and a Doctoral Scholarship from the Alberta Gambling Research Institute. D. Hodgins has partial salary support from the Alberta Gambling Research Institute.

Constraints on publishing

No constraints on publishing were declared by the authors in relation to this manuscript.

Competing interests

No competing interests were declared by the authors in relation to this manuscript.

Preregistration statement

No preregistration was declared by the authors in relation to this manuscript.

Data availability statement

No data set was declared by the authors in relation to this manuscript.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Julie A. Gorenko

Julie Gorenko is a doctoral candidate in the Clinical Psychology Program at the University of Calgary. Broadly, her dissertation research focuses on gambling in older adulthood.

Candace A. Konnert

Candace Konnert is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Director of Clinical Training. Her research interests are in aging and mental health.

Thomas A. O’Neill

Tom O’Neill is Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Calgary, and he is the Director of the of Industrial and Organizational Psychology specialization. His research interests involve methods, statistics, and organizational behaviour.

David C. Hodgins

David Hodgins is a Professor in the Department of Psychology and a Research Director of the Alberta Gambling Research Institute. His research interests are recovery from gambling disorders.