Explanations for Gambling Addiction - Learning Theory Flashcards
Outline the learning theory as an explanation of gambling (6 marks)
A gambling addiction be explained through social learning theory and can form due to the experience of observing a role model being rewarded for their gambling behaviour which is vicarious reinforcement. The reward could be their enjoyment in gambling or the occasional wins and financial returns they gain. This observation doesn’t have to be direct and can be through the media. For example, hearing about someone winning big on the lottery could make a person more likely to imitate the behaviour to gain the same reward. Gambling can provide two kinds of positive reinforcements; the reward of winning money and the ‘buzz’ excitement from gambling. Therefore, the gambling behaviour is likely to be repeated to gain the same reward. Gambling can be seen as a distraction from anxieties of everyday life. Gambling can act as negative reinforcement to distract the individual from their unpleasant feelings and anxiety so they will continue to engage in gambling behaviour to avoid the negative consequence of anxiety. Partial reinforcement is where a behaviour is reinforced only some of the time. If a person is rewarded every time they may become bored, therefore partial reinforcement enables a person to develop an addiction due to reinforcements being limited to only some of the time, and not consistently, therefore making the gambling more exciting as the individual is unsure when they will next win, so the behaviour does not extinguish, even when the wins stop. Variable reinforcement is a type of partial reinforcement where behaviour is reinforced an unpredictable amount of times at variable intervals. This highly more reinforcing as it is highly unpredictable and exciting so leads to stronger, more persistent gambling behaviour.
Discuss the learning theory as an explanation for a gambling addiction (3 X AO3)
Research to support the learning theory as an explanation for gambling addiction comes from Parke and Griffiths. Their research supports the idea that gambling is reinforced due to the money, thrill and excitement but they said that the fact there is a sensation of a ‘near miss’ as well makes it reinforced even if there is a loss. This supports the idea of partial and variable reinforcement making gambling highly addictive, due to the unpredictability of winning and the associated excitement.
A further strength of the learning theory explanation of gambling addiction has practical applications. This is because the principles of the theory that addiction is caused by pleasant associations between gambling and excitement, has led to behavioural interventions such as aversion therapy. This is where gambling is re-associated with a negative stimulus i.e. electric shocks, rather than a feeling of pleasure and excitement. Therefore, the learning theory as an explanation of gambling addiction is an important part of applied psychology as it helps treat gambling addictions in the real world.
However, the learning theory as an explanation of gambling addictions can be criticised for environmental determinism. This is because is it states that an individual is controlled by reinforcements that cause behaviour. For example, if person is rewarded for gambling by the feeling of euphoria, or the occasional win, they will gamble again to get the same reward. This neglects the role of free will and choice and individual has, for example, a person may choose not to continue gambling, despite the ‘buzz’ due to being aware of the potential financial losses. The learning theory cannot account for this and therefore may not be a full explanation of gambling behaviour.
