scholarly journals Predicting Gambling Situations: The Roles of Impulsivity, Substance Use, and Post Traumatic Stress

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Grubbs ◽  
Heather Chapman

Gambling disorder and symptoms of post-traumatic stress are highly comorbid. Numerous studies suggest that the presence of one (either disordered gambling or post-traumatic stress) substantially increases the odds of later developing the other. However, little is known about the etiological links between these two domains or the nuances of the comorbidity. Past research has suggested that symptoms of post-traumatic stress might be related to unique motivations for and beliefs about gambling. The present work sought to examine whether or not symptoms of post-traumatic stress might also be related to specific situational vulnerabilities to gambling behaviors. Using a large cross-sectional sample of internet-using adults in the U.S. who were primarily recreational gamblers (N = 589; 43% men, Mage = 36.1, SD = 11.0), as well as an inpatient sample of U.S. Armed Forces veterans seeking treatment for gambling disorder (N = 332, 80% men, Mage = 53.5, SD = 11.5), the present work tested whether or not symptoms of post-traumatic stress were uniquely related to a variety of gambling situations. Results in both samples revealed that, even when controlling for potentially confounding variables (e.g., substance use and trait impulsivity), symptoms of post-traumatic stress were uniquely related to gambling in response to negative affect, gambling in response to social pressure, and gambling due to a need for excitement. These findings are consistent with recent work suggesting that individuals with post-traumatic stress symptoms are more likely to engage in gambling behaviors for unique reasons that differ from gamblers without such symptoms.

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 117822181985264 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua B Grubbs ◽  
Heather Chapman

Gambling disorder and symptoms of post-traumatic stress are highly comorbid. Numerous studies suggest that the presence of one (either disordered gambling or post-traumatic stress) substantially increases the odds of later developing the other. However, little is known about the etiological links between these two domains or the nuances of the comorbidity. Past research has suggested that symptoms of post-traumatic stress might be related to unique motivations for and beliefs about gambling. The present work sought to examine whether or not symptoms of post-traumatic stress might also be related to specific situational vulnerabilities to gambling behaviors. Using a large cross-sectional sample of Internet-using adults in the United States who were primarily recreational gamblers (N = 743; 46% men, Mage = 36.0, SD = 11.1), as well as an inpatient sample of US Armed Forces veterans seeking treatment for gambling disorder (N = 332, 80% men, Mage = 53.5, SD = 11.5), the present work tested whether or not symptoms of post-traumatic stress were uniquely related to a variety of gambling situations. Results in both samples revealed that even when controlling for potentially confounding variables (eg, substance use and trait impulsivity), symptoms of post-traumatic stress were uniquely related to gambling in response to negative affect, gambling in response to social pressure, and gambling due to a need for excitement. These findings are consistent with recent work suggesting that individuals with post-traumatic stress symptoms are more likely to engage in gambling behaviors for unique reasons that differ from gamblers without such symptoms.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Grubbs ◽  
Heather Chapman ◽  
Kathrine Shepherd

Gambling disorder (GD) is associated with a range of psychiatric comorbidities. One comorbidity of particular interest is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individuals with GD report much higher rates of PTSD than the general population, and individuals with this comorbidity (with both PTSD and GD) often report much greater distress and impairment in daily life in comparison to individuals with GD alone. Despite these associations, little is known about the specific ways in which PTSD and GD might influence each other. To address this gap in research, the present work sought to examine how PTSD might be related to the expression and experience of gambling related cognitions. Specifically, it was hypothesized that individuals with PTSD or symptoms of PTSD (i.e., subclinical levels of post-traumatic stress) would demonstrate greater cognitive distortions and erroneous beliefs about gambling. To test these hypotheses, we analyzed data from two samples, an inpatient sample of U.S. Armed Forces veterans seeking treatment for gambling disorder (n=332) and an online sample of largely recreational gambling U.S. adults (n=589). Results consistently revealed that individuals with PTSD or symptoms of PTSD were likely to report greater gambling related cognitions. These findings persisted, even when gambling symptom severity and trait neuroticism were held constant. Collectively, these results suggest that PTSD is uniquely associated with greater cognitive distortions and erroneous beliefs about gambling behaviors.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Grubbs ◽  
Heather Chapman ◽  
Lauren Milner ◽  
Ian A Gutierrez ◽  
David F. Bradley

Problem gambling and gambling disorder are associated with a range of mental health concerns that extend beyond gambling behaviors alone. Prior works have consistently linked gambling disorder with symptoms of post-traumatic stress and post-traumatic stress disorder, both cross-sectionally and over time. However, very little work has examined the specific relationships between these two disorders. The present work postulated that post-traumatic stress is likely associated with unique beliefs about gambling behaviors and unique motivations to gamble. Using two samples—an inpatient sample of U.S. Armed Forces veterans (N = 332) seeking treatment for gambling related problems and a web-sample of gambling adults (N = 881)—we examined these ideas. Results from both samples indicated that post-traumatic stress symptoms were related to positive gambling expectancies and coping motivations for gambling. Additionally, in both samples, positive gambling expectancies were associated with greater coping motivations for gambling. Structural equation models revealed that positive gambling expectancies were consistent predictors of coping motivations for gambling. The findings indicate that post-traumatic stress symptoms are likely associated with unique beliefs about and motivations for gambling behaviors. Given the high comorbidity between symptoms of post-traumatic stress and gambling disorder, these specific relationships are likely of clinical interest in populations seeking treatment for either post-traumatic stress or for problems with gambling behaviors.


2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110219
Author(s):  
Matthew M. Yalch ◽  
Sloane R. M. Rickman

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a common problem for women in the United States and is associated with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as hazardous use of substances like alcohol and drugs. However, not all subtypes of IPV (i.e., physical, sexual, and psychological) are equally predictive of PTSD and hazardous substance use. Although previous research suggests that psychological IPV has the strongest relative effect on PTSD symptoms and substance use, there is less research on IPV subtypes’ cumulative effects. In this study, we examined the relative and cumulative effects of physical, sexual, and psychological IPV on PTSD symptoms and hazardous substance use in a sample of women in the United States recruited via Amazon’s Mechanical Turk ( N = 793) using bootstrapped multiple regression and configural frequency analyses. Results suggest that physical IPV had the most pronounced influence (medium-large effect sizes) on substance use across women, but that the cumulative effects of all three IPV subtypes were most closely associated with diagnostic levels of both PTSD and substance use at the level of groups of women. These findings clarify and extend previous research on the differential effects of IPV subtypes and provide directions for future research and clinical intervention.


2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 219-224
Author(s):  
Camilla Hem ◽  
Morten Birkeland Nielsen ◽  
Marianne Bang Hansen ◽  
Trond Heir

AbstractObjectiveFollowing adverse work conditions, health consequences can be explained by an imbalance between the effort made and the reward received. We investigated the association between extra effort, perceived reward, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Effort-Reward Imbalance Model was used to examine whether extra effort at work in the aftermath of a workplace-related terrorist attack affected the risk of PTSD and the effects of reward for extra effort from a leader or colleagues.MethodsCross-sectional data were collected 10 months after a terrorist attack in Norway in 2011. Out of 3520 Ministry employees invited, 1927 agreed to participate. Employees reported any extra effort performed as a result of the bomb explosion and any reward received from a leader or colleagues. PTSD was assessed with the PTSD Checklist.ResultsEmployees who reported extra effort displayed increased risk for PTSD (odds ratio [OR]=1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-2.55, P=0.008). Perceived reward for extra effort from a leader was associated with lower risk for PTSD (OR=0.39, 95% CI: 0.23-0.64, P<0.001) but not perceived reward from colleagues.ConclusionsExtra effort may increase the risk of PTSD, but reward from a leader may mitigate this effect. The Effort-Reward Imbalance Model appears to be an appropriate approach that may contribute to understanding of the etiology of work-related PTSD. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:219–224)


Author(s):  
Hariri El Mehdi ◽  
Sellouti Mohamed ◽  
Nguadi Jaouad ◽  
Chhoul Hakima

Introduction : Odontophobia is a complex anxiety disorder related to excessive fear of dental care. Of multifactorial origin, it affects more females than males at all ages. Odontophobia can also be associated with other disorders, namely post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is recognized in refugees from civil wars. Materials and methods : Descriptive and analytical cross-sectional epidemiological study, carried out during February 2020 at the Syrian refugee camp in Zaatari, Jordan, involving 200 consultants at the dental office to assess their degree of odontophobia and to determine the risk factors associated with this disorder, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results : The authors collated 200 subjects of which 125 (62.5%) were phobic with a corah score (> or = to 13) and 75 (37.5%) were non-phobic with a corah score (< to 13). The sex ratio was statistically different between the two populations with a predominance of female sex (p=0.025). odontophobia is also related to the length of time spent in Syria during the civil war, it is observed more in 96 (48%) patients who spent between (13 and 24 months) (p=0.017). Similarly, odontophobia is influenced by post-traumatic stress disorder in its severe form (p=0.011). Conclusion: Descriptive and analytical observational epidemiological study showing the high prevalence of odontophobia among Syrian refugees consulting at the dental office of the Moroccan military medical-surgical hospital in Zaatari camp in Jordan and its influence by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).


Author(s):  
Khalid Astitene ◽  
Hassan Aguenaou ◽  
Laila Lahlou ◽  
Amina Barkat

Aim: After a traumatic event, the person can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the purpose of the study is to assess the prevalence of PTSD in adolescents in public middle schools of the prefecture of Salé in Morocco and study anxiety and depression which are the comorbid disorders of the PTSD. The survey was carried out from March to June 2017. Methods: 523 students were selected by the cross-sectional method from fifteen schools that were randomly selected, the age of the students vary between 12 and 17 years. For the survey, standardized questionnaires (the socio-demographic data, the Life Events Checklist, the CPTS-RI (Children's Post Traumatic Stress Reaction Index), the STAIY (State Trait Inventory Anxiety Form Y) and the CDI (Children Depression Inventory) were used which were filled in by the students. Results: The prevalence of PTSD was 70.4% in the students who have PTSD. We found that the prevalence in boys was 46.74%, while in girls it was 53.26%. In addition to that, 81% of students found to be anxious and 51.8% of students have depression. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of post traumatic stress disorder among adolescents, there are practical implications for the support and care of these adolescents.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Malliarou ◽  
Dimitra Tsapakidi ◽  
Mairi Gouva ◽  
Evaggelia Kotrotsiou ◽  
Athanasios Nikolentzos ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The number of refugees and displaced people who have been forced to migrate due to war, mass violence and political instability has reached unprecedented levels. The objective of this study was to assess the degree of depression, resilience and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in asylum-seeker war refugees, temporally stationed in Larisa, Central Greece, through self-administered questionnaire. Simple regression, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and one-way Anova was used.Methods A cross-sectional study carried out with asylum-seeker war refugees residing in Larisa at a number of apartments rented and ran by the UNHCR and the municipality of Larisa. For the data collection PHQ-9 questionnaire, CD-RISC questionnaire and Harvard Trauma questionnaire (HTQ) were used. Descriptive statistics were applied, as well as Cronbach’s alpha coefficient.Results A total of 64 immigrants (40 males and 23 females, 1-mssing value) agreed to participate in the research. The mean age was 35.72 (SD 7.45), 35 respondents were classified as increased PTSD (scores > 2.5). The results showed a physically and exhausted sample, with marginal mental strength (Mean = 59.38%), fluctuating between moderate (N% = 28.10%) and severe depression (N% = 28.10%). About one in two participants (N% = 54.70%) showed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD, reporting traumatic experiences that mainly involved immediate events of violence, i.e. beating, while there were very few cases of sexual abuse or violence. A key factor in the formulation of PTSD, depression and Mental Stress Indicators was found to be age but limited to 43 years.Conclusion This study revealed that the refugees of the sample are tired, after being absent and idle for about 2 years from their homeland, in a marginal state of collapse. The most important event-hope that sustains its moderate resilience is the grant of asylum and the hope of arrival in the country of destination.


Author(s):  
Zohreh Mahmoodi ◽  
Kian Javadi Koshesh ◽  
Ghaffar Almasi ◽  
Safura Pournajaf ◽  
Hadith Rastad ◽  
...  

Background: Psychological problems, such as post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), are among the most important complications associated with the COVID-19 pandemic in people. Studying the social determinants of health (SDH) and its impact on the populations during the crisis will help governments deal better with health emergencies so that every person can have an equal opportunity to stay healthy. Objective: To determine what factors affect PTSS, we conducted a study to investigate the association between structural determinants of health and PTSS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study on 370 people referred to a selected laboratory between June and July 2020 in Karaj province, Iran. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 8-item inventory was used to evaluate the PTSS and its subscales, including intrusion, avoidance, and hypervigilance in the participants. Results: Overall, 51.2% of participants were male, and 17.3% were positive for the IgM or IgG COVID-19 test. The most common symptoms in these patients were weakness, myalgia, cough, anosmia, and fever. The prevalence of total PTSS, intrusion, avoidance, and hypervigilance symptoms were 7.1%, 25.7%, 41.6%, and 16.2%, respectively. In univariable regression analysis, female gender (p-value=0.01, 95%CI (2.25-0.31)), un-employment (p-value=0.011, 95%CI (0.37-2.81)), having symptoms of COVID-19 disease (p-value=0.000, 95%CI (.82-2.75)), underlying chronic disease, were directly associated with PTSS. Conclusion: Results showed that sex and occupation as structural determinants of health could affect PTSS in the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in the multivariable model, having symptoms of the COVID-19 disease and underlying disease affected PTSS.


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