Explanations for Gambling Addiction

• Learning Theory:

  :) RTS Parke and Griffiths

  > gamblers become addicted to the rewards provided by gambling, such as money, thrill and excitement

  > 'near misses' are reinforcing as they raise hope for future success

  > supports the idea of positive and negative reinforcement making gambling highly addictive, due to unpredictably of winning and associated excitement
• Learning Theory:

  :( environmental determinism

  > an individual is controlled by reinforcements that cause behaviour e.g. a person is rewarded for gambling by feeling euphoria, so will gamble again to get the same reward

  > neglects the role of free will e.g. a person may choose not to continue gambling, despite the 'buzz', due to being aware of the potential financial losses

  > may not be a full explanation of gambling behaviour
• Learning Theory:

  :) practical applications

  > the principles of the theory, that addiction is caused by pleasant associations between gambling and excitement, has led to aversion therapy

  > gambling is reassociated with a negative stimulus (electric shocks) rather than pleasure and excitement

  > important part of applied psychology - economic benefits
• Cognitive Theory:

  :) RTS Griffiths

  > natural experiment on 30 regular gambles, compared to control group of 30 occasional gamblers - played on a fruit machine whilst verbalising their thoughts, were interviewed afterwards

  > regular gamblers saw themselves as skilful at the fruit machine, made more irrational statements, are were more likely to explain losses as 'near wins'

  > supports role of cognitive biases

  discussion - 'thinking aloud' research has been questioned as not representing what someone truly believes
• Cognitive Theory:

  :) practical applications

  > the principles of the theory, that addiction is caused by cognitive biases and faulty thought processes, has led to the development of cognitive behavioural therapy

  > challenges the irrational and faulty thought processes that have led an individual to gamble and changes them into rational and logical thoughts via processing

  > important part of applied psychology