Mediating effect of irrational gambling beliefs on the relationship between gambling-related media exposure and gambling behavior among Korean adolescents

초록

This study examined the mediating effect of irrational gambling beliefs on the relationship between gambling-related media exposure and gambling behavior among Korean adolescents. This study used secondary data from a national sample of Korean adolescents (n = 1,512). To examine the mediation model, the PROCESS Macro Model 4 suggested by Hayes, along with the bootstrapping method, was used. The study results demonstrated that the level of gambling-related media exposure increased the level of irrational gambling beliefs, which in turn increased gambling problems among adolescents. Policymakers should develop strict legal regulations to prevent gambling problems among adolescents by controlling gambling-related media. In addition, helping professionals should facilitate activities for gambling problem prevention, such as prevention campaigns and education, in collaboration with media-related agencies, especially for adolescents at a high risk of gambling-related media exposure.

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