Gaming Addiction: An Investigation in Italian Adults in Avola

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study was the exploration of the spread of gambling in adults in Avola, their consequences and the exploration of the typical thoughts, behaviors and beliefs related to gambling. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 160 adults, aged between 18 and 78 years recruited in Avola (Sicily, Italy). The materials were constituted by an exploration questionnaire about gambling to investigate the social-demographic characteristics of the players, the game frequency, the control capacity and the motivation to play and a shorter and multidimensional version of gambling attitudes and beliefs survey (GABS-23), a useful diagnostic tool for screening of gambling that explores the dysfunctional beliefs of gambling and allows to evaluate the beliefs, emotions and attitudes among the gamblers. Results: Results showed that more than half of the sample declared to gamble. In accordance with the diagnostic manual of gambling, the “frequency of game”, the “time spend in gambling”, the consequent “spend money” are indicative indices that discriminate the “social game” from pathological game. For this reason we have find, in our sample, tree categories of gamblers: “problematic gamblers”, “regular players” and “casual players”. About GABS-23 factors, they showed that all sample believe that behaviors implemented during the gambling affects about it and believe that some strategies increase the probability of win. Also, according with the studies in the literature, the gamblers showed medium-high score in the “chasing” scale. Conclusion: Despite the prevalence of gambling among adults in Avola, there was no presence of pathological disorder, but a small percentage of those who claim to play, play more frequently, play more than three games a week, undertake more than three hours a week and spend between one hundred and one hundred fifty euro a week. Despite this, the reason that drives them to play in “to earn money” and don’t indicate the motivation “try the thrill of risk” typical pathological gambler. This phenomenon is frequently normal amongst the non-clinical population but it needs attention in order to prevent and avoid real psychopathological disorder.