Addressing the positive expectancy of enjoyment towards gambling with adolescents: Preliminary evaluation of efficacy of a video-based intervention

Harmful gambling in adolescents seems to be characterized by both cognitive and affective factors. To date, prevention interventions focused only on the first ones. Objectives: The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary evaluation of the short- and long-term efficacy of an intervention based on a video focused on enjoyment, excitement and arousal expectancies about gambling. Methods: Participants were 203 Italian high school students (63 % boys, mean age = 16.9, SD = 0.89). They were randomly assigned to two groups (Experimental and Control group). The Experimental group watched a video with an emotional impact regarding gambling, while the Control group watched a video on the bystander effect. Results: The intervention had an effect on decreasing enjoyment, excitement and arousal expectancies about gambling, but not upon gambling frequency. The intervention effects were stable over time and the frequency of gambling increased only in the Control group. Conclusion: Despite limitations, this intervention is the first to modify enjoyment, excitement and arousal expectancies about gambling among adolescents.