The Efficacy of Choice Theory to Identify At-Risk Gambling Behavior in College Students

Abstract

Researchers agree that the age of onset of gambling is a predictor of future gambling problems [1-3]. Because other theories have failed to identify the internal drivers of problem gambling behavior among college students, Choice Theory was used to determine if the need for control or the need for achievement can predict at-risk problem gambling among the target population. The assessment tools/questionnaires used: (a) Demographic Information; (b) The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS); (c) Desirability of Control Scale; and (d) The Gambling Motivation Scale. The SOGS was utilized to determine a classification for being at-risk of developing gambling disorder. Results from an independent samples t-test indicated that there was not a significant relationship between the classification status of being at-risk of developing gambling disorder and need for control among college students. However, results from an independent samples t-test indicated that there was a significant relationship between the classification status of being at-risk of developing gambling disorder and need for achievement among college students. Of the college students who participated in this study, 21.22% met the criteria for being considered at risk of developing gambling disorder, which is comparable to a previous study reporting 17% of college students meet the criteria for gambling disorder [4]. This rate of prevalence of students at-risk in the sample reaffirms the need for ongoing support and intervention for gambling disorder prevention and interventions with young adults in the college setting.