Richard T. A. Wood’s research while affiliated with University of Quebec in Montreal and other places

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Publications (44)


Responsible Gambling as an Evolving Concept and the Benefits of a Positive Play Approach: A Reply to Shaffer et al
  • Literature Review
  • Publisher preview available

August 2023

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66 Reads

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3 Citations

Journal of Gambling Studies

Richard T. A. Wood

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Understanding Lower-Risk Cannabis Consumption from the Consumers' Perspective: A Rapid Evidence Assessment

October 2022

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33 Reads

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2 Citations

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Mackenzie E Dowson

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Michael J A Wohl

Background: In the current rapid evidence assessment, we summarize the existing research on lower-risk cannabis consumption as understood by those who consume cannabis. Methods: We identified 7111 unique articles published between 1900 and 2021 using search terms related to a) cannabis consumption, b) beliefs and behaviors, and c) positive outcomes. Results: Twelve articles met our inclusion criteria. Three themes emerged that reflect lower-risk cannabis beliefs and behaviors (informed self-regulation, protective behavioral strategies, and the normalization of cannabis consumption) and one theme reflected motivations that undermine lower-risk cannabis consumption (e.g., using cannabis to cope). Conclusions: Results suggest a need for targeted lower-risk cannabis consumption research-research focused on how those who consume cannabis do so in a positive, non-problematic manner. Such research would help to inform policy and practice and, ultimately, help promote lower-risk cannabis consumption strategies.


The Cannabis Lower-Risk Scale: Psychometric Validation of a Multidimensional Measure of Lower-Risk Cannabis Beliefs and Behaviors

October 2022

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61 Reads

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1 Citation

International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

Although problematic cannabis use is a public health concern, little is known about lower-risk cannabis use beliefs and behaviors. A major stumbling block for research in this domain has been the lack of a methodologically sound, multidimensional measure of lower-risk cannabis beliefs and behaviors. This paper reports the development of the Cannabis Lower-Risk Scale (CaLRS). In Study 1 (N = 510), people who use cannabis were administered a survey containing 69 items that assessed an array of lower-risk beliefs and behaviors. A factor analysis was conducted, and items were subsequently culled. In Study 2 (N = 1008), the factor structure was confirmed revealing a 6-factor scale (21-items) that assesses three lower-risk beliefs (stigma reduction, informed self-regulation, and personal awareness) and three lower-risk behaviors (positive protective strategies, honesty, and limiting behaviors). The implications for research and public health policy and programs are discussed.


Understanding lower-risk cannabis consumption from the consumers' perspective: A rapid evidence assessment

August 2022

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33 Reads

In the current rapid evidence assessment, we summarize the existing research on lower-risk cannabis consumption as understood by those who consume cannabis. We identified 7111 unique articles published between 1900 and 2021 using search terms related to a) cannabis consumption, b) beliefs and behaviors, and c) positive outcomes. Twelve articles met our inclusion criteria. Three themes emerged that reflect lower-risk cannabis beliefs and behaviors (informed self-regulation, protective behavioral strategies, and the normalization of cannabis consumption) and one theme reflected motivations that undermine lower-risk cannabis consumption (e.g., using cannabis to cope). Results suggest a need for targeted lower-risk cannabis consumption research—research focused on how those who consume cannabis do so in a positive, non-problematic manner. Such research would help to inform policy and practice and, ultimately, help promote lower-risk cannabis consumption strategies.


Casino proximity, visit frequency, and gambling problems

February 2022

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90 Reads

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8 Citations

International Gambling Studies

The geospatial impact of casinos on gambling problems is poorly understood, despite its importance to policy decisions. In this study, we propose a conceptual model to describe how access relates to gambling problems and we test whether access convenience increases risk. We collect a large sample of Canadian gamblers (n = 6,234) and geolocate each individual relative to domestic casino locations (N = 110), using their home addresses. Our analysis suggests that nearby casinos increase risk for residents. We further find that frequency of play mediates the relationship, implying an indirect link between access convenience and gambling problems. The results are robust to several estimation strategies that address endogeneity issues found in the empirical literature.


Descriptive statistics and inter-correlations for all items in the FFS at both measurement occasions
Temporal Measurement Invariance of the Financially Focused Self-Concept Construct

September 2021

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114 Reads

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5 Citations

Journal of Gambling Issues

Persons maintaining a financially focused self-concept view financial success as a core aspect of their respective self-concepts. Herein, we examined whether the measurement properties of the financially focused self-concept scale (FFS) are invariant over time. A sample of predominantly older community members who gamble (N = 147) completed the 4-item FFS and Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) twice, approximately four weeks apart. FFS had strong temporal measurement invariance and moderate-to-high temporal stability. FFS and PGSI were also positively associated within and across waves. These findings indicate that people who score higher (relative to lower) in financial focus report more gambling problems concurrently and over time. However, further longitudinal research is needed to disentangle the temporal association between possessing a financially focused self-concept and the development of a gambling disorder.


Descriptive statistics and inter-correlations for all items in the FFS at both measurement occasions in Studies 1 and 2.
Financially focused self-concept: Measurement invariance, stability, and concurrent validity

December 2020

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108 Reads

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1 Citation

People with a financially focused self-concept overvalue the importance of financial success for self-definition and self-worth. Herein, we examined whether the measurement properties of the financially focused self-concept scale (FFS) are invariant over time and across different demographic groups of people who gamble. We also assessed the temporal stability and concurrent validity of the FFS. In Study 1 (N=147), community players completed the 4-item FFS and problem gambling severity index (PGSI) on two assessments about four weeks apart. In Study 2 (N=135), students who gamble completed the FFS and PGSI about 6-7 months apart. In Studies 1 and 2, FFS had strong temporal measurement invariance and moderate-to-high temporal stability. FFS and PGSI were also positively associated within and across assessments in Studies 1 and 2. Additionally, in Study 2, an increase in FFS over time was accompanied by an increase in PGSI. FFS also had partial measurement invariance across community and student players. Findings provide support for assumptions of longitudinal and comparative research designs. Findings are anchored in prior research on the effects of a focused self-concept in other domains. We also call for longitudinal and comparative gambling research on the antecedents and consequences of a financially focused self-concept.


An examination of the validity and reliability of the Positive Play Scale: Findings from a Canadian national study

February 2020

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65 Reads

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11 Citations

International Gambling Studies

The Positive Play Scale (PPS) is a self-report measure that assesses responsible gambling beliefs and behaviors amongst players. The PPS was shown to be a reliable and valid measure that consisted of four subscales: Personal Responsibility, Gambling Literacy, Honesty and Control, and Pre-commitment. However, the PPS development research had limitations, including the use of an exploratory statistical approach, treating the non-normally distributed PPS item-level data as continuous, and the use of samples that consisted mainly of older players living in British Columbia, Canada. Herein, we replicated and extended the four-factor structure of the PPS using exploratory structural equation modeling with PPS item-data modelled as ordered categorical in a large and demographically diverse sample of players from across Canada (N=5751). Once again, the four-factor structure of the PPS provided an excellent fit to the data. PPS factors were all internally consistent. Results also replicated and extended findings from prior research. Specifically, all PPS subscales were negatively correlated with measures of disordered gambling beliefs and behaviors, risk factors (e.g., impulsivity) and gambling motives (e.g., financial). Findings indicate that the PPS is a reliable and valid tool that assesses responsible gambling beliefs and behaviours, which can be used to inform responsible gambling initiatives.


Table 1 Descriptive Statistics and Correlations Between All Measured Variables (N = 412).
Financially Focused Self-Concept is Associated with Etiological and Maintenance Factors of Gambling Disorder Among Non-Problem Gamblers

January 2018

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197 Reads

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6 Citations

Journal of Gambling Issues

We examined associations between financially focused self-concept and known etiological and maintenance factors of problematic gambling in a sample of community-based gamblers (N = 412). Although most participants (95.6%) did not report gambling problems, those high in financial focus were more likely to be impulsive, dissatisfied with their financial situation, believe they have a poor ability to cope with adversity in their life, and have erroneous beliefs about gambling. The magnitude of these associations was moderate. The etiological risk and maintenance factors explained unique variance in financially focused self-concept. Thus, the results provide novel insight into the characteristics of financially focused gamblers.


Measuring Responsible Gambling amongst Players: Development of the Positive Play Scale

February 2017

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399 Reads

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59 Citations

The modern gambling industry has, by-in-large, assumed a duty of care to minimize the risks associated with gambling, which has manifested in responsible gambling (RG) programming (e.g., educating players about the odds of success). The current study fills a void in gambling operators, regulators, and researchers ability to measure RG beliefs and behavior in their player-base, with the development and validation of the Positive Play Scale (PPS). In Study 1, we reviewed the literature and consulted 30 players as well as 10 RG experts to help generate a definition of RG beliefs and behavior that helped guide item generation. In Study 2, regular players (N = 1,551) of a Canadian provincial gambling operator completed a positive play survey. Four components from a principal components analysis (PCA) were extracted: Honesty and Control, Pre-commitment, Personal Responsibility, and Gambling Literacy. The PPS subscales were either not associated with gambling frequency or had small-to-moderate negative relationships with frequency of play for games most often associated with disordered gambling (e.g., electronic games). In Study 3 (N = 413), the factor structure of the PPS was confirmed and refined in a new sample of players. Moreover, a 1-month follow-up session demonstrated that the PPS has high test-retest reliability. The PPS is the first validated scale that reliably assesses the extent to which a consumer base has positive beliefs about gambling and gambles in a positive manner. The PPS can be used by the gambling industry to objectively assess the efficacy of their RG strategy, pinpoint specific areas for future focus, as well as examine the utility of new RG initiatives that aim to promote healthy patterns of gambling consumption. Furthermore, by examining the PPS scores for different player segments (e.g., sex, age, games played) it becomes possible to tailor RG strategy to the needs of specific players. In this way, RG strategy can be optimized by focusing resources where they will be most effective.


Citations (40)


... Positive play is one facet of responsible gambling that can help researchers understand what may lead to someone being a more responsible, or positive, player (Shaffer et al., 2023;Wood et al., 2023). The Positive Play Scale (PPS) is the primary measure of this construct (Wood et al., 2017) and consists of four distinct subscales derived from two unique components: (1) players' positive or responsible beliefs about gambling (e.g., personal responsibility and gambling literacy), and (2) players' positive and responsible gambling behaviors (e.g., honesty and control and pre-commitment) (Hollingshead et al., 2022;Wood et al., 2017). ...

Reference:

Exploring the Differences in Positive Play among Various Sports Wagering Behaviors
Responsible Gambling as an Evolving Concept and the Benefits of a Positive Play Approach: A Reply to Shaffer et al

Journal of Gambling Studies

... Similar to other studies (Rotermann and Pagé 2018; Woodruff and Shillington 2016; Lin et al. 2016), we also found that individuals who used cannabis as teenagers or young adults are more likely to self-medicate with cannabis. This could be attributed to a normalization of cannabis use in this population and a lower risk perception (St-Jean et al. 2022), or it might be linked to cannabis dependence (Winters and Lee 2008). Moreover, medical cannabis use is more socially accepted than recreational use (Baumbusch and Sloan 2022), especially when prescribed by a health professional (Spilka et al. 2019). ...

Understanding Lower-Risk Cannabis Consumption from the Consumers' Perspective: A Rapid Evidence Assessment
  • Citing Article
  • October 2022

... For example, a current Canadian study (Philander et al., 2022) showed that an effect of spatial proximity of casinos on gambling problems in the surrounding area was mediated via the mechanism of regular gambling participation. Comparable findings of mediation analyses in large epidemiological survey datasets were previously already available for populations in Germany (Brosowski et al., 2019) and Iceland (Brosowski, Olason et al., 2021). ...

Casino proximity, visit frequency, and gambling problems
  • Citing Article
  • February 2022

International Gambling Studies

... The numerous and readily available gambling opportunities mean that avoiding gambling is difficult for people with gambling problems (LaBrie et al., 2007;St-Pierre, Walker, Derevensky, & Gupta, 2014;Thomas et al., 2009), and as gambling has migrated to the internet, it has become readily accessible via mobile devices (Abbott, 2020;Blaszczynski, Ladouceur, & Shaffer, 2004). Consequently, many people who problem gamble suffer from related economic, social, and health burdens (Browne et al., 2016;Calado & Griffiths, 2016;Tabri, Philander, Wood, & Wohl, 2021;Wardle et al., 2019). ...

Temporal Measurement Invariance of the Financially Focused Self-Concept Construct

Journal of Gambling Issues

... Precommitment involves considering and setting limits on the amount of money and time spent gambling. These four dimensions are measured using the reliable and validated Positive Play Scale [11,12]. Additionally, there is growing empirical support that positive play is fundamental to the prevention of disordered gambling [11][12][13][14][15][16]. ...

An examination of the validity and reliability of the Positive Play Scale: Findings from a Canadian national study
  • Citing Article
  • February 2020

International Gambling Studies

... Additionally, financially focused self-concept has been linked to various risk factors for disordered gambling, including delay-discounting of monetary rewards (i.e. prefer smaller immediate smaller rewards relative to delayed larger rewards; , impulsivity, neuroticism, low self-efficacy to cope with adversity in life, erroneous beliefs about the ability to win at gambling as well as gambling coping, enhancement, and financial motives Tabri et al. 2018;Tabri, Salmon et al. 2021;Tabri, Werner et al. 2021). Moreover, among people living with disordered gambling, having a financially focused self-concept was characteristic of the known etiological pathways of disordered gambling (behaviorally conditioned, anti-social impulsive risk-taker, and emotionally vulnerable subtypes; Tabri et al. 2023). ...

Financially Focused Self-Concept is Associated with Etiological and Maintenance Factors of Gambling Disorder Among Non-Problem Gamblers

Journal of Gambling Issues

... In the current research, we tested the potential preventative utility of PNF using the novel Positive Play Quiz (Quiz), which is grounded in the positive play approach to responsible gambling [11]. ...

Measuring Responsible Gambling amongst Players: Development of the Positive Play Scale

... The present study is the first ever to investigate the associations between craving, maladaptive personality traits, and adolescent gambling, while controlling for alcohol use. In line with previous findings from national and international surveys reporting problem gambling more likely to occur among males (Bastiani et al. 2011;Dodig 2013;Fröberg et al. 2015;Griffiths and Wood 2007;Hanss et al. 2015;Kristiansen and Jensen 2014;Olason et al. 2011;Raisamo et al. 2013; see also Hing et al. 2016), a greater proportion of male adolescents in both at-risk and problem gambling groups was found. This was most probably due to the higher rates of risk-taking and impulsivity (Cunningham-Williams et al. 2005) and/ or to the willingness to engage regularly in more gambling forms found among males, as compared to females (e.g. ...

Adolescent Internet gambling: Preliminary results of a national survey
  • Citing Article
  • January 2007

Education and Health

... For highly obsessive gamblers, indirect features can assist in reducing harmful play. For example, tools which provide personalised feedback on gambling activity have shown some evidence of effectiveness in triggering a return to controlled gambling behaviours for atrisk players (Wood & Wohl, 2015), which presumably would positively impact well-being. Similarly, in a lab experiment, pop-up messages encouraging selfawareness of gambling patterns had a positive influence on players' thoughts and behaviours (Monaghan & Blaszczynski, 2009). ...

Assessing the effectiveness of a responsible gambling behavioral feedback tool for reducing the gambling expenditure of at-risk players

International Gambling Studies

... However, repetitive gambling behaviour can lead to gambling disorder or addiction, even if it is subject to regulations in some countries 3 . The ease of accessing betting sites within a person's comfort zone 4 , free incentives and promotions offered by these sites to attract customers 5,6 , and the ability of individuals to conceal their identity 7 , can increase the risk of developing addiction by encouraging frequent gambling. Gambling disorder and addiction are increasingly becoming a major public health problem. ...

Internet Gambling: An Overview of Psychosocial Impacts
  • Citing Article
  • January 2006