Diffusione, conseguenze e ruolo dei fattori emotivi in relazione al gioco d’azzardo problematico in un campione di giovani adulti

Objectives: the prevalence of pathological gambling and the gambling opportunities among college students have increased in the lastdecade. The objectives of this study are to assess the frequency and the consequences of problematic gambling among Italian university students and to study the role of specific emotional factors on problematic gamblers. Method: a self-report questionnaire was administered to 313 university students (54.3% females, average mean 22.4; s.d. = 2.8). Results: results showed that the frequency of problem gambling was 5.5%, with a higher risk among male participants. Significant relationships were found between problem and pathological gamblers and negative emotions (scared), positive emotions (proud) and gambling frequency. Conclusions: this study suggests that university students are a target population for problem gambling. The results showed the need to consider emotional states as factors influencing gambling behaviors.