Beyond Gambling-Related Cognitive Distortions: Irrational Thinking and the Role of Compulsivity in Problem Gambling

Background and aimsGambling-related cognitive distortions (GRCD) are closely linked to problem gambling symptom severity (PGSI) and are associated with superstitious and delusional ideation, as well as indirectly with conspiracy beliefs. Although conceptually distinct, these different belief domains share core features (e.g., erroneous beliefs about causal structure) and may be related to compulsivity. The latent factor structure underlying these belief domains is poorly understood. This preregistered study examined a potentially shared latent structure underlying GRCD, superstitious and delusional ideation, and conspiracy beliefs, and links with PGSI and a transdiagnostic symptom dimension previously linked to addictive and compulsive psychopathology. MethodsParticipants with previous gambling experience (N = 491) were recruited via Prolific (C) and completed measures assessing each belief domain, along with dimensions of compulsive behavior and intrusive thought, anxious-depression, and social withdrawal. Several factor analytic models were compared to determine the optimal latent structure. ResultsPGSI was significantly correlated with all irrational belief domains. Model comparison favored a bifactor model comprising a general factor accounting for over half of the variance (55%, closely aligned with superstitious content) and domain-specific factors related to GRCD and conspiracy beliefs. The association between compulsivity and PGSI was partially mediated by GRCDs, suggesting compulsivity may affect PGSI both directly and indirectly via a modulation of GRCDs. ConclusionsFindings confirm that problem gambling is associated with irrational beliefs beyond GRCDs and support a dimensional neurocognitive model in which general and domain-specific belief components are linked to compulsivity. This suggests shared mechanisms underlying the formation and persistence of irrational beliefs across domains, with unique features specific to GRCD.