Self-compassion may reduce risky decision-making in casino patrons with problem gambling

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Author(s): Bailis, Daniel S. ; Brais, Nicolas J. ; Single, Alanna ; Schellenberg, Benjamin J. I.

Journal: Journal of Gambling Studies

Year Published: 2021

Date Added: April 06, 2021

People with high self-compassion treat themselves with kindness when they experience negative feelings or events. People with problem gambling often experience negative feelings in relation to gambling. Thus, their level of self-compassion might affect their gambling behaviour.

This study tested how self-compassion affected risk-taking in casino patrons with and without problem gambling. For people without problem gambling, higher self-compassion was not linked to reduced risk taking. In contrast, people with problem gambling made less risky decisions if they had higher self-compassion. Thus, self-compassion could help protect people with problem gambling from making risky decisions in a casino setting.

Citation: Bailis, D. S., Brais, N. J., Single, A. N., & Schellenberg, B. J. I. (2021). Self-compassion buffers impaired decision-making by potential problem gamblers in a casino setting. Journal of Gambling Studies, 37, 269-282. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-020-09993-8

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-020-09993-8

Keywords: decision making ; Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) ; Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) ; risk behaviours ; self compassion

Topics: Gambling and the Brain ; Gambling Assessment ; Self Perceptions

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological - Personality and Temperament ; Psychological - Self-Perceptions ; Exposure - Gambling Setting ; Environment - Responsible Gambling ; Psychological Factors ; Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection ; Psychological - Coping Styles ; Gambling Environment ; Psychological - Judgement and Decision Making ; Gambling Exposure ; Psychological - Subjective Well-Being ; Gambling Resources

Response Rate: Unknown, N=216 (240 people agreed to participate, but 24 did not properly complete the study and were excluded. Completion rate = 216/240 = 90%)

Study Design: Observational: Cross-sectional

Geographic Coverage: Canada, Manitoba

Study Population: Adults (age 18-85) who were visiting one of two casinos in Winnipeg, Manitoba where the study was taking place. N=216

Sampling Procedure: The researchers set up stations in the lobbies of two casinos in Winnipeg. They actively and passively recruited patrons of the casino to participate in the study.

Study Funding:

This research was funded by the Manitoba Gambling Research Program of Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (#SM-15-18). Two of the authors received Psychology Undergraduate Research Experience Awards from the Department of Psychology at the University of Manitoba.