Gambling refusal self-efficacy and protective behavioral strategies mediate and moderate the relationships between impulsivity and gambling outcomes

Studies suggest that refusal self-efficacy and protective behavioral strategies may influence how impulsivity relates to addictive behaviors. However, their mediating and moderating roles have not yet been examined in the context of gambling. This study investigated whether gambling refusal self-efficacy (GRSE) and gambling protective behavioral strategies (GPBS) mediate or moderate the associations between impulsivity and gambling outcomes, including problem gambling (PG) and gambling involvement. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 926 gamblers from the general population (females: 53.2%; age: M = 41.85, SD = 13.49). Standardized self-report measures were used, including the Problem Gambling Severity Index, the Consumption Screen for Problem Gambling, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, the Gambling Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and the Gambling Protective Behavior Scale. Linear regression-based mediation and moderation models were tested. Significant indirect associations between impulsivity and both PG and gambling involvement were observed via GRSE and GPBS. In addition, a significant interaction between impulsivity and GPBS indicated that associations between impulsivity and gambling outcomes were evident primarily at lower GPBS levels, whereas they were non-significant at higher levels. These findings extend prior evidence from other addictive behaviors to gambling, highlighting potential similarities across addictive processes. Longitudinal studies using representative or clinical samples are warranted.