A Comparison of Emotion Regulation and Psychological Flexibility Levels Between Individuals with and without Pathological Gambling Disorder
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20373840Keywords:
Pathological Gambling, Gaming, Emotion Regulation, Psychological FlexibilityAbstract
The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of emotion regulation difficulties and levels of psychological flexibility among individuals with and without pathological gambling disorder. The study was conducted using the causal comparison model, one of the quantitative research methods. The study population consists of individuals residing within the borders of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, both with and without pathological gambling disorder. The study sample comprises 102 individuals aged 18 and older with pathological gambling disorder, selected using purposeful sampling. In contrast, the control group without pathological gambling disorder consisted of 102 individuals aged 18 and older selected through appropriate sampling methods. Within the scope of the study, participants were administered the Socio-Demographic Information Form, the Emotion Regulation Difficulty Scale, the Psychological Flexibility Scale, and the South Oaks Gambling Screen. According to the research findings, negative correlations were found between general emotion regulation difficulties and psychological flexibility levels, positive correlations between general emotion regulation difficulties and pathological gambling levels, and negative correlations between general psychological flexibility and pathological gambling levels among participants with gambling addiction. Additionally, it was determined that among participants with pathological gambling disorder, levels of pathological gambling were not predicted by emotional regulation difficulties but were negatively predicted by psychological flexibility. In this context, it is assessed that structuring intervention programs to target these two fundamental psychological processes could enhance the effectiveness of treatment and prevention efforts.
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