Biological approach - Gambling

Question 1

Describe Shah’s research into the role of genetics.

Answer 1

Found evidence of genetic transmission of gambling in men.

Question 2

Describe Black’s research into the role of genetics.

Answer 2

Found evidence that genetically closer relatives of a pathological gambler are more likely to suffer from it than distant relatives.

Question 3

Describe Blazcynski’s research into boredom avoidance.

Answer 3

Lower tolerance of boredom may contribute to repetitive gambling behaviour.

Question 4

What is boredom avoidance?

Answer 4

The need for an intense simulation of excitement or adrenaline.

Question 5

What did research show on boredom proneness?

Answer 5

That pathological gamblers had a significantly higher boredom proneness.

Question 6

Describe the dependence aspect of a gambling addiction.

Answer 6

Gamblers become dependant on gambling in order to function. They become hooked on it.

Question 7

Describe Liebman and Cooper’s research into dependence.

Answer 7

Found that addicts have more sensitive dopamine pathways and feel more rewarded.

Question 8

What did Grosset find?

Answer 8

10% of Parkinsons patients treated with dopamine became gambling addicts.