The Role of Compulsivity and Intrusive Thought in Gambling‑Related Cognitions and Problem Gambling

Problem gambling represents an important public health issue, highlighting the need for research on its behavioral and cognitive correlates. This project examines the relationships among gambling-related cognitions, problem gambling severity, and a transdiagnostic factor of compulsivity and intrusive thought. To assess these constructs, the study uses the Gambling Related Cognitions Scale (GRCS; Raylu & Oei, 2004), the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI; Ferris & Wynne, 2001), and a measure of Compulsivity and Intrusive Thought (CIT; Gillan et al., 2016). Using existing data from Molitor and Peters (2025; N = 506) recruited via Prolific, the study has two main aims. First, it will test whether the original five-factor structure of the GRCS can be replicated through confirmatory factor analysis. Second, it will examine the associations between GRCS total scores, GRCS subscales, PGSI scores, and CIT scores. Based on the existing literature, it is expected that the five-factor GRCS model will show adequate fit in the present sample. It is also expected that GRCS total scores and each GRCS subscale will be positively associated with PGSI and CIT, reflecting the role of maladaptive gambling-related cognitions in problem gambling and their overlap with compulsive and intrusive thought processes. The study is intended to contribute to a better understanding of the cognitive mechanisms involved in gambling problems and their relevance for future research and intervention.