An investigation of the application of self -determination theory to potentially problematic behaviours. Test of an illustrative model: Gambling behaviour

The purpose of this research was to first, investigate the application of Deci and Ryan's (1990) Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to a potentially problematic behaviour, and second, to investigate the relationship between gambling motivation and consequences. The SDT framework has been used to investigate the relationship between motivation and consequences in domains considered to be functional activities and to have positive consequences. It is unknown whether postulates of the SDT can be extended to activities that are potentially problematic and therefore may be associated negative consequences. The domain of gambling was chosen for this research because of its growing popularity and awareness of the negative consequences that can be associated with this behaviour. Vallerand's (1997) hierarchical model of self-determination and the previously investigated domain of leisure were incorporated into a gambling model to allow comparison of the results of this study with results previously found in other populations.

A pilot study explored the relationships between gambling motivation and gambling consequences. The Gambling Motivation Scale (GAMS; Chantal, Vallerand, & Vallieres, 1995), the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS; Lesieur & Blume, 1987), the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (RSE; Rosenberg, 1979) and the Self-Rating Depression Scale, (Zung, 1965) were completed by 237 men and women from the general and university populations. Results did not completely support or refute the tenets of Self-Determination Theory. Study 1 tested a hierarchical model of leisure and gambling activities, headed by global self-determination, in a sample of men and women (N = 215) who had gambled in the last year. Respondents completed the Global Self-Determination Scale (Quay, et al., 1996), the Leisure Motivation Scale (Pelletier, Green-Demers & Dion, 1998), the GAMS, a measure of leisure activity consequences, the SOGS, the RSE, the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (Radloff, 1977) and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larson, & Griffin, 1985). Based on SOGS scores, 16.6% of the sample met criteria for possible problem gambling. Results from structural equation modelling analysis (with LISREL) support the use of Vallerand's (1997) hierarchical domain specific theory and SDT in research with adaptive behaviours. Results of the gambling side of the model provide limited support for the use of these theories in research with potentially problematic activities. There is some evidence that motivation plays a role in the development of problem gambling and that global self-determination moderates the relationship between gambling involvement and problem gambling.