On the latent structure of problem gambling: a taxometric analysis

James, R.J.; O'Malley, C.; Tunney, R.J.

Abstract

Aims To test whether problem gambling is a categorical or dimensional disorder on the basis of two problem gambling assessments. This distinction discriminates between two different conceptualizations of problem gambling: one that problem gambling is defined by its addictive properties, the other that it is a continuum of harm. Method Using The British Gambling Prevalence Survey 2010, a nationally representative sample of the United Kingdom conducted by the National Centre for Social Research, five different taxometric analyses were carried out on cases from two problem gambling screens: the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) and a measure derived from the DSM‐IV Pathological Gambling criteria. Two further analyses were conducted on the total scores for these measures. Results There was strong evidence that both scales were measuring a categorical construct. Fit indices consistently supported a categorical interpretation [comparison curve fit index (CCFI) > 0.6]. The PGSI analysis indicated the presence of a taxon (CCFIs = 0.633, 0.756). The analysis conducted on the adapted DSM‐IV criteria indicated stronger quantitative support for a taxon (CCFIs = 0.717, 0.811 and 0.756) but items probing a loss of control were inconsistent. The taxometric analyses of both scales support a categorical interpretation (CCFIs = 0.628, 0.567), but extreme caution should be used due to high nuisance covariance. Conclusions Two problem gambling screens (the Problem Gambling Severity Index and a measure derived from the DSM‐IV Pathological Gambling criteria) appear to measure a categorical construct that taps into a categorical, loss of control model of problem gambling. There is some evidence that the two screens measure different aspects of an addiction construct.

Citation

James, R., O'Malley, C., & Tunney, R. (2014). On the latent structure of problem gambling: a taxometric analysis. Addiction, 109(10), 1707-1717. https://doi.org/10.1111/add.12648

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Jun 10, 2014
• Publication Date: 2014
• Deposit Date: Aug 15, 2018
• Journal: Addiction
• Print ISSN: 0965-2140
• Electronic ISSN: 1360-0443
• Publisher: Wiley
• Volume: 109
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 1707-1717
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/add.12648
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1323412