When the reward is less than expected, people with OCD exhibit lower-than-normal learning rates. Conversely, those with gambling addictions exhibit boosted and blunted patterns of learning when the rewards are higher and lower than expected.
Gambling has previously been linked to addictive behaviors and financial loss. Now, researchers report high levels of gambling can increase mortality rates by 37%.
People prefer to play virtual slot machines that provide casino-related cues, such as the sound of coins dropping or symbols of dollar signs. Cues associated with money and winning makes virtual slot machines more attractive and bigger wins more memorable.
The popularity of blind bag collectible toys is rapidly growing among children. Researchers report blind bags tap into the same psychological mechanisms that ultimately result in gambling addiction, namely intermittent reinforcement.
Findings suggest brain networks associated with impulse control could be weakened in people with gambling addiction.
Researchers have developed a new technique they believe could help people build confidence and overcome fears.
