Internalizing and externalizing problems among adolescent problematic gamblers

During adolescence, gambling problems have resulted to be associated with many psychological diseases (Lorains et al., 2011). However, few studies have explored the specific aspects of internalizing and externalizing problems linked to problematic gambling behaviors during adolescence. The main focus of this study was therefore to fill this gap. A total of 393 adolescents (361 males and 32 females; Mage = 16.34; SD = 1.39) were recruited for the present study. All participants filled out the South Oaks Gambling Screen – Revised for Adolescents (SOGS-RA; Winters et al., 1993; Chiesi et al., 2012) and the two scales of internalizing and externalizing problems of the Youth Self Report Questionnaire (YSR; Achenbach 1991), which assess two main syndrome subscales of externalizing problems (Delinquent behavior and Aggressive behavior) and three syndrome subscales of internalizing problems (Withdrawn, Somatic complaints, and Anxious/Depressed). Based on their SOGS-RA scores, participants were divided in three groups: 1) non-problem gamblers (n= 321), SOGS-Ra scores < 1; 2) at-risk gamblers (n = 44), SOGS-RA scores between 2 and 3; and 3) problematic gamblers (n = 28), SOGS-RA scores > 4. In order to explore whether the three groups differ on the five syndrome subscales of the YRS, a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was carried out. Results showed significant differences among the three groups both for externalizing and internalizing problems. In particular, problem gamblers reported higher levels of delinquent and aggressive behaviors, somatic complaints, and anxious and depressed feelings than other participants. No significant differences emerged in reference to social withdrawal. Overall, these results confirm the existence of both externalizing and internalizing problems among adolescent problematic gamblers.