The learning approach to gambling addiction

Question 1

What is initiation for the learning approach to gambling?

Answer 1

Social learning - by watching via vicarious reinforcement they see people getting a reward and enjoyment from gambling and want the same reward. This reinforcement can be indirect from seeing people win he lottery or adverts
Classical conditioning - a first time gambler enjoys the external intense flashing lights and loud noises and internal excitement and suspense and these become linked to gambling.

Question 2

What is maintenance of the learning approach to gambling?

Answer 2

Negative reinforcement - an escape from reality

positive reinforcement- from the buzz of winning or suspense of near wins

Question 3

What is relapse of the learning approach to gambling?

Answer 3

Cue reactivity - gambler sees primary or secondary reinforcers of flashing lights and link this with winning and enjoyment and get an urge to gamble. These are hard to avoid as they’re in the media and in real life.

Question 4

What are the strengths of the learning approach to gambling?

Answer 4

There is evidence to support the learning approach by Mark Dickerson when he found out gamblers are more likely to place their bets on horses on the last two minutes when non gamblers don’t. This is because they want to prolong the excitement of placing the bet. This supports the idea of positive reinforcement

Question 5

What’re the weaknesses of the learning approach to gambling?

Answer 5

Theory is not regent for all types of gambling such as scratch cards. Some gambling has a delay.Cannot provide a general explanation of all gambling addiction