Predicting early gambling in children.

This large population-based study (N = 1,125) examined whether low inhibition (i.e., low anxiety) predicted early gambling, above and beyond disinhibition (i.e., impulsivity) and whether the two personal dispositions operated independently or interactively. It also examined whether the predictive role of these personal dispositions towards early gambling depended on parent gambling. Children's personal dispositions were assessed at ages 6, 7, and 8 years through teacher ratings. Parent gambling participation and gambling problems were assessed when the children were 8 years old. Finally, children's early gambling was measured through self-reports when the children were 10 years old. Results showed that teacher-rated impulsivity predicted early gambling for both genders. In addition, low anxiety predicted early gambling behavior, above and beyond impulsivity and control variables, albeit only in boys. Impulsivity and anxiety did not interact with each other, nor did they interact with parent gambling in predicting early gambling. However, parent gambling participation, but not problems, additively predicted early gambling for boys and for girls. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed.