The hidden addiction: Problem gambling amongst Southeast Asian-American youth

Prior research has demonstrated that both Southeast Asian American adults and adolescents are at particularly high risk for problem gambling. Research regarding problem gambling habits among Southeast Asian American adolescents is virtually nonexistent, and studies concerning cultural risk and protective factors are sparse. Based on two well-established frameworks of gambling behavior, Social Learning Theory and Cognitive Theory, this project examined potential social and cognitive factors that may contribute to problem gambling amongst Southeast Asian American adolescents. A sample of 107 Southeast Asian American adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age completed surveys assessing demographics, gambling behaviors, Asian cultural values, acculturation, perceived peer gambling behavior, perceived familial gambling behavior, and gambling cognitions. Results indicated that the gambling behaviors of Southeast Asian American adolescents are significantly influenced by social factors such as family and peer influences. Higher levels of perceived peer and family gambling predicted higher amounts of gambling behaviors. Cognitive factors did demonstrate significant influence, but only when cultural factors were combined. Data from this study suggests that cognitive factors involved with problem gambling behavior are more culturally mediated than social factors. These findings indicate that prevention and treatment efforts for Southeast Asian American adolescents should draw attention to both social environment and culturally bound cognitive precursors to problem gambling. Additionally, implications for future research and practice are discussed.