Trauma-related cognitive distortions and emotional dysregulation as determinants of gambling behavior

Abstract

Gambling behavior is currently regarded as one of the most widespread behavioral addictive disorders, developing through the interaction of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral factors. The study of post-traumatic stress has become increasingly important, as the consequences of traumatic experiences may contribute to the development of maladaptive coping strategies for managing internal distress, including engagement in gambling activities. The aim of the study is to identify cognitive distortions, emotional dysregulation, and other psychological factors associated with post-traumatic stress that may serve as predictors of gambling behavior. The study employed a mixed-methods design combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. The sample consisted of 100 participants divided into a clinical group diagnosed with gambling disorder and a control group with subclinical involvement in gambling activities. The findings demonstrated that individuals with gambling disorder exhibited higher levels of cognitive distortions, including the illusion of control, gambler’s fallacy, and magical thinking, as well as elevated impulsivity, difficulties in emotion regulation, and high levels of alexithymia. These findings suggest that gambling behavior may be understood not only as a form of reward-seeking behavior but also as a maladaptive strategy for regulating internal distress associated with traumatic experiences. The value of the study lies in providing empirical evidence for the role of post-traumatic stress as a significant factor in the development of gambling behavior and in advancing a trauma-informed understanding of gambling addiction. The findings contribute to contemporary research on behavioral addictions, emotional regulation, and the consequences of psychological trauma. The practical significance of the results lies in supporting the integration of trauma-informed approaches into early screening, prevention, and psychological support systems for individuals showing signs of gambling addiction. Early identification of cognitive and emotional vulnerabilities, as well as symptoms of post-traumatic stress, may reduce the risk of persistent addictive patterns and mitigate the negative psychological and social consequences of gambling behavior.

Keywords: gambling disorder, impulsivity, alexithymia, post-traumatic stress, trauma-informed approach.