This study examined the role of mindfulness in the link between maladaptive personality traits and problem gambling. The researchers recruited 326 adolescent gamblers to complete a survey. The results revealed that adolescents who had higher levels of antagonism, disinhibition, and negative affectivity traits had lower levels of mindfulness, which led to problem gambling. Thus, adolescents with these maladaptive traits may be less aware of their present thoughts and feelings and have more difficulty regulating their attention. These adolescents may have more trouble understanding why they engage in risky behaviours like gambling. They may also gamble to escape negative emotions. This helps explain why they are more prone to develop problem gambling.
