NCJ Number
212585
Journal
Criminal Justice and Behavior Volume: 32 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2005 Pages: 690-713
Date Published
December 2005
Length
24 pages
Annotation
This literature review examines the relationship between adolescent gambling and delinquent or criminal acts; presents examples of research and programs in substance abuse that may guide gambling prevention programs; suggests how the juvenile justice system can address gambling as a possible precursor to criminal acts; and recommends gambling resources, treatment programs, and policy issues for juveniles, their parents, professionals who work with youth, and the community.
Abstract
This review places gambling within a constellation of problem or addictive behaviors. The two main theories discussed throughout this article address a multiple-problem theoretical framework: Jessor's problem behavior theory and Jacobs' general theory of addiction. Jessor's problem behavior theory encompasses five interrelated psychosocial domains within which both risk and protective factors contribute to an adolescent's propensity to engage in problem behaviors. Jacobs' general theory of addiction contends that involvement in all addictive behaviors is based on an underlying physiological and psychological predisposition to relieve tension. Research indicates that adolescent gamblers are more likely to participate in or have a history of committing delinquent or illegal acts, particularly those who already gamble at a problem or pathological level. Incorporating tools for the early identification of youth who may be at risk for developing a gambling problem should be included in all programs concerned with positive youth development. Screening for severity of gambling should be done for those suspected of already gambling. This article reviews instruments that can be used for such screening. Although prevention and treatment programs for gambling are being developed, continued evaluation of these programs and research on the nature of pathological gambling by juveniles is required. 1 figure and 79 references