Gambling ((Non-substance related addiction) Flashcards
Pros cognitive approach
Research supports the idea of cognitive boas/irrational thoughts being the cause of gambling addiction e.g. Griffiths (1994) showed that regular gamblers produced more irrational verbalisations and over estimated their skill more than non regular gamblers. This supports the cognitive approach and makes the theory more valid and reliable.
o It has real world application because if irrational thoughts are the cause of addiction then treatments such as CBT which change these thoughts are effective. CBT is a highly effective treatment for gambling addiction which suggests that there is a cognitive element involved.
Cons cognitive
It is difficult to establish cause and effect. The theory doesn’t explain whether faulty thinking causes the gambling addiction or whether irrational thoughts are just a symptom of addiction. This makes the cognitive approach a less complete explanation for addiction.
o It does not take into account individual factors which might cause addiction e.g. why do some people develop these irrational thoughts/faulty thinking, whilst others do not. It might be better explained by personality factors such as an ‘addictive personality’.
Pros Learning
Evidence to support the learning approach – high frequency gamblers placed bets in minutes before a race to prolong the rewarding experience they felt. Shows positive reinforcement explained gambling behaviour in real life environment.
• Studies have confirmed how partial reinforcement can specifically influence addicted gamblers to continue gambling, even when they are losing.
Cons learning
Conditioning does not occur in the same way for every gambler (some gamble to relax, others to experience arousal; some quit and never gamble again whilst others relapse with conditioned cues). Difficult for learning theory to explain without considering cognitive factors e.g. irrational thoughts.
• Learning theory lacks explanatory power as it cant provide a general explanation for all of gambling addiction e.g. gambling on pure chance or gambling with a delay between bet an outcome.
