Prevalence of Binge Eating and Problem Gambling Habits

Session Title

Poster Session

Presenters

Repairer EtukFollow
Shane W. Kraus, University of Nevada, Las VegasFollow
Joshua B. Grubbs, Bowling Green State UniversityFollow

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Location

Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV

Start Date

24-5-2023 10:30 AM

End Date

24-5-2023 11:15 AM

Disciplines

Clinical Psychology

Abstract

Background and aims: Though currently unexplored in the literature, eating disorders could possibly overlap with problem gambling, as both behaviors present with compulsive and impulsive actions. This study explores the prevalence of binge eating and problem gambling in a nationally representative US sample of adults (N=2,810).

Methods: We used the Problem Gambling Severity Index to assess for problem gambling severity and the Binge Eating Disorder-7 to measure possible risk of a diagnosis of DSM-5 binge eating disorder (BED).

Results: Results revealed that 7.2% of the sample did not gamble in the past 12 months. Of the past-year gamblers, 61.5% were classified as non-problem gamblers, 17.8% of this sample were classified as low risk gamblers, 8.4% as moderate risk gamblers, and 12.3% as problem gamblers. In the overall sample, 11.9% of individuals were scored as at risk for possible BED. Prevalence rates of possible BED by gambling severity included: non-problem gamblers-9.7%; low risk-10.1%; moderate risk-13.3%; and problem gamblers-27%. Chi-square analysis indicated significant differences (p

Implications: Rates of at-risk BED increased as problem gambling severity also increased. Disordered eating may be relevant in gamblers with more severe concerns and should be screened for in clinical settings.

Keywords

Prevalence, Binge eating disorder, Problem gambling, Comorbidities

Author Bios

Author Bios-

Mr. Repairer Etuk is a 4^th year graduate student in the Clinical Psychology PhD program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). He had received funding from International Center on Responsible Gaming and UNLV to pursue gambling research. He has published two articles on gambling related research and has several other manuscripts in progress or under review. He is currently obtaining his clinical training at a private practice specialized in treating eating disorders.

Dr. Joshua B. Grubbs is an associate professor at Bowling Green State University in the department of psychology. His research interests include addiction, personality, and morality. More specifically, his largest research focus currently is related to behavioral addictions and compulsive behavior patterns. Some of his current project include studies of sexual values, morality and pornography use, self-determination theory and religion, sexuality and spiritual functioning, and social determinants of beliefs about addiction.

Dr. Shane W. Kraus is an assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the department of psychology. Broadly, he is interested in the study of psychopathology, substance use disorders, gambling disorder, and compulsive sexual behavior disorder. His lab is focused on improving screening and treatments of behavioral addictions among vulnerable groups and conducts research within college students, U.S. Veterans, and community members.

Funding Sources

The data used in this presentation was funded by a grant from the Kindbridge Research Institute given to Drs. Shane Kraus and Joshua Grubbs. No funding agencies had input into the content of this abstract and research.

Competing Interests

Repairer Etuk has been provided grant funding by the International Center for Responsible gaming (ICRG) in the past 3 years. Dr. Grubbs has received grant funding from ICRG, the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio, and the Kindbridge research institute in the last 3 years. Dr. Kraus has received grant funding from the National Center for Responsible Gaming, Kindbridge research institute, and ICRG.