Cognitive distortions and pathological gambling: Are educational animations effective in reducing cognitive distortions, challenge appraisals and gambling persistence among slots players

Cognitive distortions, including illusions of control and misperception of odds, have been implicated in the development of gambling problems. It is unknown, however, if these cognitions encourage individuals to appraise gambling as a challenge and thus persist with play, and if these cognitions can be corrected to reduce gambling behaviour. The present study assessed the efficacy of an educational animation in correcting cognitive distortions and reducing problematic play among slots players (N = 393). Cognitive distortions and challenge appraisals significantly predicted gambling, and challenge appraisals mediated the relationship between misunderstanding odds and exceeding financial limits. Although the educational animation did not significantly reduce cognitive distortions, frequency of slot machine play was diminished over 30 days. Recreational gamblers were less likely to exceed financial limits after viewing the animation, although this effect dissipated over time. This research partially supports the use of educational animations to reduce problematic behaviours among slots players.;Keywords: Cognitive Distortions, Illusion of Control, Misperception of Gambling Odds, Pathological Gambling, Slots, Challenge Appraisals, Educational Animation.