The Relationship Between Criminal Thinking, Impulsivity, and Gambling Among Adult Probationers

Tennant, Matthew R. (2008) The Relationship Between Criminal Thinking, Impulsivity, and Gambling Among Adult Probationers . Master's, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Central Connecticut State University.

Abstract

To some individuals, gambling is a harmless pastime and a form of entertainment, but for others, pathological gambling (PG) can develop with devastating consequences. The purpose of this study was to assess the correlation between criminal thinking and impulsiveness with pathological gambling. Using the Criminal Thinking Profile (CTP), Barratt Impulsiveness Screen Revised 11 (BIS-11), and the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), 86 probationers were surveyed about criminal thinking patterns, general impulsiveness and gambling habits. The total score for the CTP significantly correlated with the BIS and SOGS. In addition, five of the eight CTP subscales correlated with pathological gambling. One-way ANOVA of the SOGS indicated significant differences between non-pathological gamblers and probable pathological gamblers in their criminal thinking patterns. The findings suggest PG is correlated with impulsivity and criminal thinking patterns.