The factor structure of gambling-related cognitions in an undergraduate university sample

Gambling is relatively common among university students, but few studies examine factors that contribute to gambling behavior in this cohort. Based on evidence that cognitive distortions may play a role in gambling behavior, this study examined the factor structure of gambling-related cognitive distortions using the Gambler's Beliefs Questionnaire (GBQ; Steenbergh et al., Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 16:143-149, 2002) in a sample of 393 college undergraduates. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test a previously reported two-factor model, comprising dimensions of Illusion of Control (IOC) and Luck/Perseverance (L/P). An oblique, but not orthogonal, two-factor model was confirmed but did not provide an incrementally better fit to the data than a one-factor model. However, multiple regression analyses showed that the L/P scale accounted for significant variance in the criterion when controlling for IOC items. This suggests that IOC items provide redundant information and that gambling-related cognitive distortions in this sample can be adequately assessed using solely the L/P factor.