General Factors

The framework consists of eight interrelated factors, separated into two topical sets: Gambling Specific Factors and General Factors. The general factors represent major areas of scientific study. Each of the general factors is directly or indirectly related to the life course of harmful gambling and may or may not interact with other factors.

General Factors:

• Cultural factors have an impact on gambling prevalence, the popularity of various gambling forms, attitudes towards gambling, and gambling practices.
• Social factors shape how commercial gambling is made available and how people who develop difficulties are perceived by others. It also influences attitudes and beliefs about different types of gambling, and best practices for treatment.
• Psychological factors include individual differences in personality and temperament, self-perceptions, social learning, lifespan development, co-morbid disorders, subjective wellbeing, coping styles, and judgment and decision making.
• Biological factors consider genetically inherited and/or biological tendencies toward harmful gambling.

Download a PDF version of the Conceptual Framework of Harmful Gambling. Also available in Francais.