Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Predicting Psychotherapy Session Attendance Among Individuals Experiencing Gambling-Related Harms, Hannah G. Mitchell, Meredith K. Ginley, James Whelan Ph.D, Rory A. Pfund Ph.D

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Almost 2 in 5 individuals experiencing gambling-related harms will initiate treatment and then prematurely discontinue. However, studies have proven unsuccessful in identifying a consistent set of variables that predict discontinuation. The absence of consistent findings may be attributed to 1) disparate definitions of discontinuation and 2) the focus on demographic variables rather than personal history variables that might impact the receipt of treatment. The present study intends to improve upon existing research by focusing on treatment participation (i.e., number of sessions attended) rather than discontinuation and examining a broader set of variables that are specific to an individual’s gambling and …

Symptom Clusters In Individuals Seeking Treatment For Gambling Disorder, Blaine Stiglets

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5) presents the criteria for Gambling Disorder (GD) as a unidimensional construct where each additional symptom corresponds to increased severity. Research has found that many individuals experience addiction symptoms in specific symptom clusters, with membership to one profile of symptoms or other better-representing disorder severity than raw symptom counts. This study sought to explore if similar patterns of symptom clusters exist among adults seeking treatment for gambling harms. The sample included 487 adults (M_age= 44.95) who completed the DSM-5 criteria for GD at intake. Latent …

Transdiagnostic Prevention And Intervention Efforts Are Needed To Address Executive Dysfunction, Maria E. Meinerding Ms, Margaret L. Paul Bs, Trinity N. Zweifel, Michael L. Mathews, Jeremiah Weinstock Phd, Rory A. Pfund Phd

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Abstract: Executive functioning (EF) is a multi-faceted construct important to activities of daily living, emotion regulation, and higher-order thinking and is often impaired in individuals with gambling disorder and/or alcohol use disorders. Deficits in EF are associated with poor treatment engagement, psychiatric comorbidities, and relapse. The present study examined EF in college students (N = 832) aged 18-24 (M= 19.23, SD=1.37, 76.5% Women) in relation to gambling and hazardous drinking. The Barkley’s Deficits in Executive Functioning was used to assess for global EF and 5 facets of EF: Time Management, Organization/Problem Solving, Self-Restraint, Self-Motivation, and Emotion-Regulation. Bivariate correlation …

Measurement Models Matter: How Retrospective Calendar Versus Global Reports Yield Different Estimates Of Treatment Outcome, Margaret L. Paul Bs, Maria E. Meinerding Ms, Jeremiah Weinstock Phd, Meredith K. Ginley, James P. Whelan Phd, Rory A. Pfund

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Abstract: Retrospective reports are less accurate than objective measures of behavior and must be interpreted with consideration of the amount of distortion and error introduced by this methodology. The Gambling-Timeline Followback (G-TLFB) method is the gold standard retrospective assessment tool that is designed to minimize such error by asking for a specific recall of precise gambling behavior day-by-day using recall aids as compared to a global summation over time (e.g., how many gambling days in last month, how much money gambled in the last month). It remains an empirical question whether this difference in measurement format, G-TLFB versus global reports, …

Differences In Positive Play Among Specific Sports Wagering Behaviors, Alexander Connolly, Shane W. Kraus, Joshua Grubbs

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Presentation Abstract:

Since the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Murphy vs. NCAA, a majority of states have legalized and launched sports gambling. With the increased prevalence of sports wagering, there are many concerns about possible increases in problem gambling and the effects of specific wagering behaviors (e.g., in-game bets vs. pre-game bets; money-line wagers vs. parlay cards) on problem gambling outcomes. More generally, while the literature surrounding sports gambling is increasing, little is known about specific wagering practices. Similarly, little is known about how responsible gaming practices (i.e., as measured by the Positive Play Scale) might be related to specific …

High Illusion Of Control Adolescents: A Moderated Mediation Analyses Of The Effects Of Forms Of Counterfactual Thinking And Gender In Problem Gambling And Gaming, Larry Okechukwu Awo Dr., George Nzeadi Duru Mr.

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Abstract

Three studies (Study 1, N = 322 male adolescents, Study 2, N = 401 male and female adolescents, and Study 3, longitudinal, N = 56 male and female adolescents) analyzed the effects cognitive and psychographic variables in the relationships among illusion of control (IC), problem gambling and problem gaming. Moderated mediation analyses results using PROCESS macro in the three studies confirmed: (1) the positive mediating effect of upward CFT in the association between IC and problem gambling and problem gaming; (2) the negative mediating effect of downward CFT in the association between IC and problem gambling and problem gaming; …

The Push And Pull Of Nostalgia: Sentimental Longing In A Fundamental Component Of The Behavior Change Process, Michael J. A. Wohl, Mackenzie Dowson, Isabelle Bossom, Responsible Gambling Council, Nassim Tabri

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Abstract: Behavior change is hard, and the recovery process is equally as challenging. Yet a paucity of research has been conducted on factors that motivated and undermine sustained behavior change. In this talk, we will discuss a growing body of work that suggests nostalgic reverie (i.e., sentimental longing) is a critical factor in both the behavior change and recovery process among people living with a gambling disorder. First, we will report the results of research (Study 1) that demonstrates nostalgic reverie for life before one’s problematic gambling behaviour facilitates behaviour change. We will then report the results of new research …

The Nuance Of Mindfulness Among Gamblers And Video Game Players: Empirical Findings From Latent Profile Analysis And Links To Intervention For Problem Gambling And Problem Video Gaming, Vivien Wen Li Anthony, Jackie Stanmyre, Devin Mills Ph.D, Lia Nower

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Abstract: This presentation reviews two studies that investigate different profiles of gamblers and video gamers across five facets of mindfulness and nonattachment using latent profile analyses. Study 1 identified four profiles among 843 adults who gamble (59.9% male, Mage=39 years): High, Moderate and Low Mindfulness, as well as a Judgmentally Unaware profile, characterized by low levels of nonjudging and acting with awareness. Gamblers with the Judgmentally Unware profile demonstrated more frequent gambling, stronger gambling motivations and gambling-related cognitions, more severe problem gambling, and poorer mental health compared to other profiles. Study 2 identified a different four-profile model among 629 …

Gambling Digital Tools Across The Player Spectrum: Promising Practices And Future Opportunities, Melissa Salmon Phd, Sasha Stark Phd

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

In our technology-focused culture, the supply and demand of digital information and support has skyrocketed. In the gambling field specifically, the number and breadth of available tools for the provision of support and information have increased greatly in the last few years. However, questions exist around the appropriateness, effectiveness, and implications of gambling-focused digital tools. The current program of work focuses on answering the question: How can technology be used to deliver information and support to those across the player continuum of gambling involvement and harm? To this end, we first describe the current ecosystem of digital tools (i.e., technology …

Evaluation Of Gambling Study Pre-Registrations: Specificity & Adherence, Robert Heirene

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Gambling researchers are increasingly adopting preregistration as a regular research practice. However, the benefits of this practice are only achieved when the preregistration is sufficiently detailed and researchers actually follow their pre-specified plans. We identified 53 preregistrations from the gambling field and scored their level of specificity (i.e., methodological detail in all aspects of the study plan: hypotheses, variables, design, analysis plan) and the authors’ adherence to their preregistered plan in the study manuscript. We found gambling preregistrations had low specificity levels when describing the study plan. However, a comparison with a sample of cross-disciplinary preregistrations (N = 52; Bakker …

Understanding Who Is Calling A Problem Gambling Helpline: Data From The Florida Problem Gambling Helpline, Jeffrey L. Derevensky, Jennifer Kruse

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Many jurisdictions maintain a confidential helpline for problem gamblers and their loved ones. Dr. Derevensky will present the demographic characteristics and concerns of individuals calling the Florida Multilingual Helpline for Problem Gamblers. Specific attention will address the precipitating reasons for calling the HelpLine, gender, age and racial differences, the types of gambling most problematic, the age of onset of gambling problems, financial information (gambler’s income, money lost to gambling, to whom debts are owed), illegal acts committed by the gambler, legal consequences resulting from problem gambling, and the gambler’s mental health, emotional and domestic difficulties. Based upon the information provided …

Motivations For Loot Box Engagement In Video Games And Related Characteristics, Will Shead, Breanna Huggan

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Presentation Abstract: Loot boxes are features of some video games that contain random gameplay-enhancing or cosmetic items. Players may purchase loot boxes with real-world currency which has led to growing concern that loot boxes are a form gambling without regulations and age restrictions. Previous research has found associations between loot box purchases and problem gambling but limited work has examined possible factors involved in this relationship. One hundred and forty-four participants completed an online questionnaire assessing relationships between loot box use, problem gambling and gaming, and video game streaming behaviors. Bivariate correlations revealed no significant associations between risky loot box …

Psychosocial Characteristics Of Gambling Addicts – Does It Matter When They Start Their Treatment?, Neven Ricijas Phd, Dora Dodig Hundric Phd, Sabina Mandic Ma, Sanja Radic Bursac Ma, Davor Bodor Phd

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Abstract:

Gambling disorder is well known as a hidden addiction and therefore is subjected to a prolonged time in seeking treatment. During the development of addiction, the psychosocial functioning is more openly or covertly disrupted, and gambling addicts manifest various problems and risky behaviors. At the same time, motivational mechanism for seeking professional help are complex and influenced by different individual circumstances.

This study was conducted with N=315 patients in the Daily Clinic for Gambling Addiction. The psychosocial functioning of the patients is assessed at the beginning of the treatment, while a specific aim of this paper is to explore …

Pareto Effects In The Ecasino: Differences Across Online Products And Links With Self-Exclusion, Xiaolei Deng, Luke Clark Dr

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Consumption of many goods adheres to the Pareto rule (or 80:20 law) that the 20% most engaged consumers generate 80% of revenue. Using a dataset from the eCasino section of the provincial online gambling platform in British Columbia, Canada, we recently observed that Pareto values exceeded the conventional 80:20 ratio, with the top 20% generating ~92% of bets and ~90% of revenue (Deng, Lesch & Clark, 2021 Addictive Behaviors 120: 106968). In this presentation, we will examine how these effects vary across different gambling product types within the eCasino: online slot machine games, table games, video poker, and other probability …

Stake Size And Wagering In A Professional Betting Environment – When Data Affects Decision Making, Anthony Bedford, Tristan Barnett

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

In this work, we discuss the structure of a number of professional wagering organisations, and how they attempt to deal with the “Ender’s Game” effect – when knowledge of the true nature of the ‘war being wagered’ may have affected the process and choice of betting. We analyse the responses from professional wagering and betting organisations, whom operate predominately in Horseracing and sportsbetting, and they identify the importance of separation of decisions around choices to make and the stakes and size of wagers that are linked to the decisions. The proposed model, practically carried out by one company, is an …

The Influence Of Prediction Error Strength On Reconsolidation, Kevin D. Mohawk

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

It has been well established that consolidated memories can be reactivated and enter a labile state where they are once again vulnerable to modification. Reactivated memories, therefore, need to be restabilized or reconsolidated. Prediction error (PE) is one of the most common ways of reactivating consolidated memories, yet no studies have examined how varying the strength of PE influences reconsolidation. The present study aimed to determine if the strength of PE is an important factor for triggering reconsolidation and if so, how PE strength influences the reconsolidation process, whether through strengthening or weakening the memory. To vary PE strength, participants …

Examining The Effects Of Perspective-Taking And Empathetic Concern On Attractiveness Biases In Millennial And Generation X Adults, Stephanie Verba-Quinones

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The current study examined the effects of perspective-taking and empathetic concern on attractiveness biases and stereotypes in Generation X and Millennial adults. Such biases and stereotypes are pervasive and can lead to preferential treatment and differential outcomes for individuals of varying attractiveness levels (see Langlois et al., 2000 for review). Previous research suggests that social media may amplify the importance placed on attractiveness, particularly for women (Fardouly et al., 2015; Perloff, 2014; Tiggemann et al., 2014; Toma & Hancock, 2018). Given the negative impacts of biases and stereotypes, this study sought to investigate pathways to reduce attractiveness biases and stereotypes …

An Examination Of The Association Of Religiosity, Purity Culture, And Religious Trauma With Symptoms Of Depression And Anxiety, Kaelyn R. Griffin

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

While no consistent definition yet exists for religious trauma, religious abuse is typically defined as a misuse of authority by a spiritual leader to coerce, control, or exploit those under their leadership, which may in turn lead to the experience of religious trauma. Numerous studies suggest that experiencing abuse within a religious environment is a both global phenomenon and common experience. The impact of religious abuse has recently gained greater media attention, specifically related to the social and psychological impact of leaving high-cost religious groups (i.e., those with rigid rules or groups from which departure leads to isolation and rejection …

Gender Differences In Internalizing Problems And Everyday Behaviors Associated With Executive Function In Children And Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Hiroko Mullner

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Background: Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience internalizing problems, and there was evidence suggesting that poor executive function (EF) predicted their internalizing problems. However, this association was primarily found in studies with male children with ASD. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate gender differences in internalizing problems and everyday EF in ASD children (age 5-15) and examined the associations between internalizing problems and everyday EF.Method: This study examined neuropsychological assessment data of ASD children without intellectual disability. The study consisted of two groups: 1. ASD boys (n = 44), 2. ASD girls (n = 15). The study …

Multiple Approaches To Examining Gender Norms In Romantic Relationships, Carrie Underwood

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Romantic relationships are essential to the human experience, and gender stereotypes are so ingrained they can be automatic. In this dissertation, I address three empirical questions through both quantitative and qualitative research methods, all of which contribute to the growing body of literature on gender norms and romantic relationships. In Chapter 2, I present a mixed-methods study that examines how heterosexual men reason about benevolent sexism. Results revealed themes of equality in the workplace and men’s roles as providers. In Chapter 4 I implemented a two-study research design to understand how heterosexual women and men reason about troubled romantic relationships. …

Developmental Differences In School Climate Predictors Of Chronic School Absenteeism, Michael Fensken

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

School attendance problems (SAPs) represent a critical developmental challenge for youth. SAPs represent a spectrum from difficulties attending school despite complete school attendance to complete absence. Ongoing SAPs can lead to chronic absenteeism, which may be defined as missing 8.3–10.0% (15–18 days) of school in an academic year. However, debate exists over the utility of a demarcation for chronic absenteeism. A shortcoming of cutoffs to defining problematic chronic absenteeism is that demographic, academic, symptom, and family variables are not delineated clearly. Yet, the present intervention frameworks (e.g., multi-tiered systems of supports models; MTSS) rely on clear delineations of such variables …

Individual Differences In Police Officers’ Decision Styles In Order Maintenance Policing, Damarrah Elisheba Jameson

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Day-to-day police work tends to be in order maintenance policing. These encounters necessitate officer discretion in decision responses to manage them. These decision responses reflect an officer’s decision style which precedes the encounter and drives subsequent decision making to manage them. However, little is known about officer-level decision style. For example, whether an officer has a rational, intuitive, dependent, avoidant, or spontaneous decision style (Scott& Bruce, 1995). Police training in any format often lacks attention to decision styles. As such, an officer’s decision style is most likely associated with demographics (e.g., age, gender) and occupational self-efficacy – a reflection of …

The Effect Of Sleep And Emotion On Pattern Separation, Alanna N. Osmanski

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Prior work on the relationship between sleep and memory suggests that the sleep state is an optimal time for memory consolidation to occur. During slow wave sleep, newly encoded information in the hippocampus is repeatedly activated, driven by slow oscillations that originate in the neocortex. This process that occurs during slow wave sleep facilitates the long-term storage of memories. A widely accepted view of emotion and sleep is that emotional memories are preferentially consolidated during sleep so that they are easily accessible for retrieval, whereas neutral memories tend to be less accessible. However, recent meta-analyses of sleep, emotion, and memory …

Comparing Comics And Illustrated Texts In Multimedia Learning, Jackson S. Pelzner

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The purpose of this research was to examine how different forms of media, in particular science comics and illustrated texts, contribute to different patterns of learning. While the standard illustrated text seen in a textbook has been a useful tool for instruction, science comics appear to be an alternative that could be used in lieu of media that use the traditional illustrated text format. The comic format, known more for its visual appeal to readers, is consistent with the principles of the Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning (Mayer, 2009), though comprehension may require different mechanisms (Cohn, 2013a). It was hypothesized …

Fear Of Recurrence As A Mediator Of Illness Perception And Perceived Stress In Acute Myocardial Infarction Survivors, Sarah E. Zvonar

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Purpose: The primary objective of this study is to evaluate fear of recurrence as a mediator of illness perception and perceived stress. This research will determine how illness perceptions and fear of recurrence affect perceived stress in the acute myocardial infarction (AMI) population. Other aims will observe how demographics predict patients who may experience increased fear of recurrence and stress in the AMI population, how the variables of fear of recurrence change over time, and if fear of recurrence is still a significant mediator after controlling for depression and anxiety.Rational/ Conceptual Basis/ Background: Acute myocardial infarctions (AMIs) are often accompanied …

Personal Actions: The Correlation Between Water And Energy Conservation, Jaedyn N. Billerbeck, Joshua Galloway, Yele Wagoner, Betty Castenada, Kimberly A. Barchard

Psychology Faculty Presentations

Water and energy conservation are growing concerns around the world.

Energy conservation policies create both energy and water savings (Gu et al., 2016). Conversely, water conservation impacts energy usage (Sokolow et al., 2016). Heating water in the home accounts for 20% of the home’s energy use (Chini et al., 2016).

Our study examines the relationship between water conservation and energy conservation.

Recruitment Of Young Black Men Into Trauma And Mental Health Services Research: Recommendations And Lessons Learned, Alexandria G. Bauer, Jannette Y. Berkley-Patton

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Young Black/African American men are more likely to experience repeated trauma that escalates throughout young adulthood, compared to young White men. Exposure to trauma has impacts on mental health outcomes, but young Black men face substantial barriers to mental health care. In order to begin to address these disparities, it is imperative to increase understanding of the needs, preferences, and priorities of young Black men for mental health care services following trauma. Yet, young Black men are often underrepresented in mental health services research. The purpose of the current study was to describe strategies for recruitment of young Black men …

Beliefs About Race Differences In Pain Vs. Actual Race Differences In Pain: An Experimental Investigation., Lauren E. Mehok, Samantha M. Meints, Megan M. Miller, Leslie Ashburn-Nardo, Adam Hirsh

Journal of Health Disparities Research and Practice

Objective: Race differences in pain are consistently reported, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This study examined how beliefs about race differences in pain are related to actual differences in experimentally induced pain between Black and White individuals.

Methods: Black and White participants completed questionnaires (demographics, pain-related beliefs, pain coping, and mood) and a cold pressor task (CPT) in the laboratory. Beliefs about race differences in pain were tested as potential moderators of the relationship between race and pain tolerance on a CPT.

Results: Participants reported beliefs that White people are more pain sensitive (i.e., less pain tolerant) …

Climate-Friendly Purchasing: An Exploratory Factor Analysis, Grace Hyde, Betty C. Grace, Mia Dominguez, Yuhan Bi, Kimberly A. Barchard

Psychology Faculty Presentations

Climate change includes long-term shifts in global temperatures, shrinking ice caps, and rising sea levels.

Human activities are the main cause of such changes (Lynas et al., 2021)

Individuals can mitigate the effects of climate change through their purchasing choices (Jakučionytė-Skodienė et al., 2022).

To understand the strategies people use, we examined the factor structure of the Climate-Friendly Purchasing Choices domain from the Climate Change Action Inventory (CCAI; Barchard et al., 2022).

Measurement And Scale Development Skills For Public Health Doctoral Scholars, Manoj Sharma

UNLV Best Teaching Practices Expo

Web-based synchronous teaching is gaining popularity all over the world. In web-based synchronous teaching, both pedagogical robustness and the building of content expertise are mandatory. I taught a new doctoral course, HED 763 Measurement and Scale Development in Social and Behavioral Health in the Spring of 2022. The specific teaching techniques that I used were (a) enhanced pedagogical features that included delivery as web-based synchronous, organizing the course in Canvas and making it available from day 1, recording all lectures beforehand in Panopto, utilizing case studies, employing WebEx and its breakout sessions feature, guest lectures, and having weekly skill-building activities …