The Relationship Between Gambling Related Cognitions and Gambling Severity, Depression Severity and Treatment Motivation in Individuals with Problem Gambling

This study aims to identify the factors influencing treatment motivation in individuals with gambling dis order, assess the presence of co-occurring depression, and examine cognitive distortions related to gambling to inform targeted treatment strategies. The study included 60 patients who sought help for gambling related issues. Participants were assessed for depression severity, gambling-related cognitive distortions, and treatment motivation. Additionally, information regarding their gambling history was obtained from both themselves and their relatives. The results indicated that higher depression severity was positively associated with greater gambling problem severity and an increased inability to control gambling behavior. Conversely, depression severity was negatively associated with confidence in treatment. Furthermore, gambling problem severity showed positive associations with heightened gambling-related expectations, interpretative biases, and extrinsic treatment motivation. These findings suggest that depression severity, cognitive distortions related to gambling, and treatment motivation play a significant role in gambling disorder. Consequently, these factors should be carefully assessed in individuals seeking treatment to develop effective intervention strategies.

Cite this article as: Peker, İ., Coşkunol, H., & Peker, O. (2025). The relationship between gambling related cognitions and gambling severity, depression severity and treatment motivation in ındividuals with problem gambling. Addicta: The Turkish Journal on Addictions, Published online November 7, 2025. doi:10.5152/ADDICTA.2025.23115.