The role of migration background and cognitive distortions in the trajectories of gambling problems - a longitudinal study

Cognitive distortions are assumed to play an important role in the trajectories of Gambling Disorder. Additionally, migration background has been identified as a crucial risk factor for the development of Gambling Disorder. However, longitudinal data on cognitive distortions in gamblers are rare and so are data on the long-term development of Gambling Disorder in individuals with migration background. This study investigates in a young adult sample (N = 268, age range 16–30 years) changes of gambling-related cognitive distortions and Gambling Disorder severity within 10 months. The sample was proactively recruited in vocational schools in Germany. In telephone interviews, gambling-related variables were assessed. We found no differences of cognitive distortions with respect to migration background. In a GEE analysis, migration background and the believe in luck and perseverance were significantly associated with an increase of fulfilled DSM-5 criteria for Gambling Disorder over time. Our findings validate the role of gambling-related cognitive distortions in this high-risk population and call for early prevention programs in the form of cognitive modification trainings specifically targeting the believe in luck and perseverance. Low-threshold prevention programs could be implemented in schools as they already exist for the prevention of alcohol abuse.