Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP

Utilizing Gambling Outcome Expectancies to Enhance Adolescent Therapy

Utilizing Gambling Outcome Expectancies to Enhance Adolescent Therapy

Introduction

In the realm of adolescent development, understanding the factors that influence behavior is crucial for effective intervention. The study "Measuring Gambling Outcome Expectancies in Adolescents: Testing the Psychometric Properties of a Modified Version of the Gambling Expectancy Questionnaire" offers valuable insights into how outcome expectancies (OEs) can shape gambling behaviors in adolescents. This research not only highlights the psychometric robustness of a modified Gambling Expectancy Questionnaire (GEQ-MOD) but also provides a framework for practitioners aiming to improve therapeutic outcomes for youth.

Understanding Gambling Outcome Expectancies

Gambling outcome expectancies (GOEs) refer to the anticipated positive or negative outcomes from gambling behavior. These expectancies can significantly influence whether adolescents engage in gambling activities. The study underscores the socio-cultural influences on GOEs, noting that parental gambling behavior and media exposure can shape these expectancies long before any gambling behavior begins.

Modified Gambling Expectancy Questionnaire (GEQ-MOD)

The original GEQ was revised to be applicable to all adolescents, regardless of their gambling experience. This was achieved by altering the questionnaire's phrasing to hypothetical scenarios ("If you were gambling, gambling would make you...") and simplifying the response scale from a seven-point to a five-point Likert scale. These modifications enhance the tool's applicability for both research and preventive interventions.

Key Findings and Implications for Practice

The research involved two studies to test the modified scale's reliability and validity. The first study confirmed the five-factor structure of the GEQ-MOD, demonstrating its reliability and validity among Italian adolescents. The second study established the scale's invariance across different gambling behaviors and genders, making it a versatile tool for diverse adolescent populations.

For practitioners, these findings highlight the importance of assessing GOEs in therapy. By understanding an adolescent's expectancies, therapists can tailor interventions to address specific cognitive distortions and enhance the effectiveness of preventive strategies. For instance, adolescents with high positive OEs might benefit from cognitive-behavioral strategies that focus on altering these expectancies.

Encouraging Further Research

While the GEQ-MOD provides a robust tool for assessing GOEs, further research is encouraged to explore its application across different cultural contexts and age groups. Additionally, investigating the relationship between GOEs and other cognitive distortions could offer deeper insights into the mechanisms driving gambling behaviors in adolescents.

Conclusion

The modified GEQ offers a reliable and valid instrument for assessing gambling outcome expectancies in adolescents. By incorporating this tool into practice, therapists can enhance their understanding of adolescent behavior and improve intervention outcomes. As we continue to explore the intricate dynamics of adolescent development, tools like the GEQ-MOD will be invaluable in shaping effective therapeutic strategies.

To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Measuring Gambling Outcome Expectancies in Adolescents: Testing the Psychometric Properties of a Modified Version of the Gambling Expectancy Questionnaire.


Citation: Donati, M. A., Derevensky, J. L., Cipollini, B., Di Leonardo, L., Iraci Sareri, G., & Primi, C. (2022). Measuring gambling outcome expectancies in adolescents: Testing the psychometric properties of a modified version of the Gambling Expectancy Questionnaire. Journal of Gambling Studies, 38(1), 31-52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-021-10053-y
Marnee Brick, President, TinyEYE Therapy Services

Author's Note: Marnee Brick, TinyEYE President, and her team collaborate to create our blogs. They share their insights and expertise in the field of Speech-Language Pathology, Online Therapy Services and Academic Research.

Connect with Marnee on LinkedIn to stay updated on the latest in Speech-Language Pathology and Online Therapy Services.

Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP

Apply Today

If you are looking for a rewarding career
in online therapy apply today!

APPLY NOW

Sign Up For a Demo Today

Does your school need
Online Therapy Services

SIGN UP