Internet dependence and gambling addiction are not linked

Affected individuals have common psychological profiles



		IMAGE: Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking is published 6 times a year in print and online. Click here for more information.

New Rochelle, NY, June 28, 2010—A study of university students found no overlap between those reporting excessive Internet use and those with problem gambling. However, both addictive behaviors are associated with psychological issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness, according to a provocative Rapid Communication in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, a peer-reviewed journal published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. (www.liebertpub.com). The article is available free online at www.liebertpub.com/cyber

Both Internet dependence and problem gambling are typically viewed as behavioral addictions, and as such might be expected to affect the same individuals. But as N.A. Dowling, PhD, from the University of Melbourne, and M. Brown from Monash University, both in Australia, conclude in the article entitled, "Commonalities in the Psychological Factors Associated with Problem Gambling and Internet Dependence," these seem to be separate disorders that share common underlying psychological profiles, which has implications for their management.

Based on their assessment of a small group of university students in Australia, the authors report that similar vulnerabilities, attributable to feelings of anxiety, stress, depression, loneliness, and social isolation, appear to contribute to excesses in Internet use and gambling behavior. Effective treatments would likely integrate multiple types of interventions that target the specific problem behavior and the general tendency to addiction.

"It is clear that effectively evaluating and treating these disorders requires a clear understanding of the individual symptomatology and internal conflicts particular to each patient," says Brenda K. Wiederhold, PhD, MBA, BCIA, Editor-in-Chief of Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, from the Interactive Media Institute, San Diego, CA.

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Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking (formerly CyberPsychology & Behavior) is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published bimonthly in print and online that explores the psychological and social issues surrounding the Internet and interactive technologies. Complete tables of content and a free sample issue may be viewed online at www.liebertpub.com/cyber

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including Telemedicine and e-Health and Journal of Women's Health. Its biotechnology trade magazine, Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News (GEN), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's 60 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available at www.liebertpub.com.

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. 140 Huguenot St., New Rochelle, NY 10801-5215 www.liebertpub.com Phone: (914) 740-2100 (800) M-LIEBERT Fax: (914) 740-2101

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