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Cue-Reactive Phenomenology Mediates the Relationship Between Positive Schizotypy and Cue-Reactive Urge to Gamble in Poker-Machine Gamblers

Benjamin A. McTigue, Andrew Talk, Kylie Rice, Adam J. Rock

Journal of Gambling Studies May 9, 2024 DOI: 10.1007/s10899-024-10310-w (opens in new tab)

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Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Online cue-reactivity experiment Peer reviewed
Sample size 70
Population Adults aged 19 to 68 (mean age 48.86, SD 12.82)
Measures Problem Gambling Severity Index, Unusual Experiences subscale of the Short Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences, Altered State of Awareness subscale of the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory, Altered Time Sense subscale of the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory, Absorption subscale of the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory, visual analogue scale measuring cue-reactive urge to gamble
Topics Philosophy of mind
Citations 2
Key findings Positive schizotypy was significantly positively correlated with cue-reactive urge to gamble, and cue-reactive altered state of awareness, altered time sense, and absorption mediated this relationship. The authors argue these cue-reactive consciousness alterations help explain the maintenance of urges to gamble in poker-machine gamblers.

Abstract

Although ubiquitous in numerous nightlife cultures, poker-machines present a high risk for problematic use and addiction. Previous research has demonstrated that gambling cues (e.g., flashing lights) can activate gambling urges in poker-machine gamblers. However, the processes that contribute to the maintenance of cue-reactive urges to gamble remain unclear. Consequently, the present study explored whether positive schizotypy predicted gambling urge, and whether cue-reactive altered state of awareness, cue-reactive altered time sense, and cue-reactive absorption mediated this relationship. Seventy adults aged between 19 and 68 (M = 48.86, SD = 12.82) participated in an online cue-reactivity experiment. Participants first completed the Problem Gambling Severity Index and the Unusual Experiences subscale of the Short Oxford-Liverpool Inventory of Feelings and Experiences. Subsequently, at three time points (i.e., baseline, directly after a neutral cue, and directly after a gambling cue) participants completed the Altered State of Awareness, Altered Time Sense, and Absorption subscales of the Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory and a visual analogue scale measuring cue-reactive urge to gamble. It was found that positive schizotypy was significantly positively correlated with cue-reactive urge to gamble. Additionally, cue-reactive altered state of awareness, cue-reactive altered time sense, and cue-reactive absorption mediated this relationship. The theoretical, clinical and practical implications are discussed.

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Citations in the library

Cites 3

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Philosophy of mind Addiction Altered states of consciousness