Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Availability

Open Access Thesis

Keywords

Gambling--Iowa--Black Hawk County; Teenagers--Iowa--Black Hawk County; Gambling; Teenagers; Iowa--Black Hawk County;

Abstract

As gambling opportunities increase, adolescents are exposed to more forms of gambling and may be developing problematic gambling behaviors. Research seems to indicate a "growing trend that pathological gambling is becoming more common among young Americans" (Kerr, 1998, p. 27). Thus, the purpose of this study was to profile adolescent gambling behaviors that exist in Black Hawk County high school students between the ages of 14-18. In particular, this study sought to: (a) define adolescent perceptions of gambling; (b) tabulate the percentages of youth who are engaged in gambling activities; (c) identify money gambled; (d) examine who influences gambling behaviors; and (e) identify consequences perceived as a result of gambling behaviors. The research was descriptive and non experimental in design utilizing a questionnaire format. A survey was administered to students in four Black Hawk County high schools. Data analysis were conducted and frequencies were collected in order to determine any relationship between gender and age.

Results indicated that a common theme with both male and female participants, was that they defined gambling with some form of "betting." All but eight participants in the study indicated they had gambled. Males reported to engage more often in sport betting and card playing than females. Males tend to bet higher amounts and also lose money more often than females. All but eight participants reported they have gambled with friends, parents, and other relatives. Upon further analysis, some adolescents reported to have experienced some consequences as a result of gambling. As a result of this study, it is indicated that adolescents between the ages of 14-18 in Black Hawk County high schools are gambling and experiencing some behaviors which may lead to problematic gambling.

Year of Submission

1998

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Services

First Advisor

Susan Hudson

Second Advisor

Thomas Davis

Third Advisor

Jane Mertesdorf

Comments

If you are the rightful copyright holder of this thesis and wish to have it removed from the Open Access Collection, please submit a request to scholarworks@uni.edu and include clear identification of the work, preferably with URL.

Date Original

1999

Object Description

1 PDF file (79 leaves)

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

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