DISPOSITIONAL PREDICTORS OF PROBLEM GAMBLING IN MALE-ADOLESCENTS

Objective: This study investigated the possible relationship between i mpulsivity in early adolescence and gambler status in late adolescence . Method: Impulsivity measures consisting of self-reports and teacher ratings were gathered from 754 boys in early adolescence, and their ga mbling status in late adolescence was assessed with a self-report meas ure. Results: On both measures of impulsivity, nongamblers had the low est scores, recreational gamblers had the next higher scores, low prob lem gamblers had still higher scores, and high problem gamblers had th e highest scores. Conclusions: These findings support the DSM-IV class ification of problem gambling as a deficit in impulse control.