Predictive and Concurrent Correlates of Gambling in Early Adolescent Boys

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Abstract
This study had two objectives: (a) to identify a link between gambling, delinquency, and substance use in a sample of early adolescent males and (b) to verify if behavioral precursors of gambling are similar to behavioral precursors of delinquency and substance use. Results indicated a concurrent link between gambling, delinquency, and substance use. They also revealed that low anxiety/withdrawal at 10 and 11 years of age predicted, although modestly, gambling. Somewhat different predictors were related to delinquency and substance use. Gambler and nongambler groups also were compared on concurrent self-ratings of delinquency and substance use and on antecedent teacher ratings and mother ratings of behavior problems. Results revealed that gamblers reported more delinquency and more substance use than nongamblers. Gamblers also were rated by teachers as less anxious/withdrawn than were nongamblers. Implications of the present results for understanding behavioral dimensions leading to gambling are discussed.

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