Title : Gambling-related cognitions and decision-making impulsivity among online bettors in Tunisia
Abstract:
The rapid growth of online gambling over the past decade has raised important questions about the underlying cognitive mechanisms involved in betting behaviours. This study aimed to explore the relationship between decision-making impulsivity and gambling-related cognitive distortions among adult online gamblers. A total of 110 participants aged over 18 years completed two validated instruments: the Monetary Choice Questionnaire (MCQ), which assesses impulsive decision-making based on delay discounting (k-score), and the Gambling Related Cognitions Scale (GRCS), which evaluates five cognitive distortion subscales. Spearman’s rank correlation analyses revealed a moderate positive correlation between impulsivity (k-score) and overall gambling-related cognitions (GRCS total score). More specifically, impulsivity showed moderate positive correlations with the illusion of control, predictive control, and perceived inability to stop gambling subscales. In contrast, weak or non-significant correlations were found with the gambling-related expectancies and interpretative bias subscales. Additionally, the Kruskal–Wallis test revealed significant differences in impulsivity and gambling-related cognitions across age groups, with younger participants displaying higher levels of impulsivity and stronger cognitive distortions. Taken together, these results underscore the significance of cognitive distortions and impulsive decision-making in shaping gambling behaviour among online bettors. By highlighting specific psychological mechanisms, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of online gambling and supports the need for age-sensitive and cognitively focused preventive strategies.
