Article Dans Une Revue Journal of Gambling Studies Année : 2025

Illusion of Control in Gambling Behavior in a Non-Clinical Sample of Adults Aged 40–75

Résumé

The illusion of control (IoC) is a cognitive distortion implicated in risky and problem gam- bling. This study aimed to validate a comprehensive IoC measure, the Multi-Dimensional Rating Scale for Illusion of Control in Gambling (EEMDIC), in a large non-clinical sam- ple of adult and aging gamblers, and to clarify how IoC relates to gambling severity, game type, and age. A total of 1,311 participants aged 40–75 completed the EEMDIC, the Prob- lem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI), and questions on gambling habits and sociodemo- graphics. Exploratory (n = 649)  and  confirmatory  (n = 662) factor analyses assessed scale structure. ANOVAs, linear regressions, Mann–Whitney U tests, and Spearman correlations examined associations with game category, PGSI scores, education, occupation, and age. Factor analyses supported a reduced 14-item EEMDIC with four coherent factors: Luck, Skill, Strategy, and Rituals/Superstitious Behaviors. Higher EEMDIC scores, especially on primary-control dimensions (Skill, Strategy), were associated with greater gambling severity and engagement in strategic betting (sports, horse racing). Education correlated negatively  with  IoC,  and  occupational  differences  emerged. Age  was  modestly  but  sig- nificantly  associated  with  lower  IoC:  it  explained ≈ 2.8%  of  total  variance  and  0.9–4.1%  across factors. Framing on gains or losses showed no age effect after controlling for PGSI.  The EEMDIC is a reliable, multidimensional tool distinguishing primary and secondary control beliefs. Findings link primary-control beliefs to gambling harm and show modest age-related declines in IoC. The scale can inform targeted prevention and tailored inter- ventions across game types and sociodemographic groups.

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Dates et versions

hal-05361251 , version 1 (12-11-2025)

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Antoine Marques Mourato, Maylis Fontaine, Valérie Le Floch, Magali Bringuier, Céline Bonnaire, et al.. Illusion of Control in Gambling Behavior in a Non-Clinical Sample of Adults Aged 40–75. Journal of Gambling Studies, 2025, ⟨10.1007/s10899-025-10452-5⟩. ⟨hal-05361251⟩
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