Abstract Research indicates a consistent inverse relationship between problem gambling (PG) severity and gambling refusal self-efficacy (GRSE), though the strength of this association may vary across samples and measures. This preregistered systematic review and meta-analysis, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, examined the correlation between PG and GRSE and tested potential moderators. Five databases were searched in March 2024, and eligible studies were observational, peer-reviewed, written in English, and reported standardized measures of PG and GRSE. Twenty-one studies with 24 independent samples were included. Results showed a significant, negative, moderate association between PG and GRSE, with substantial heterogeneity. The number of participants and the type of GRSE measurement instrument showed significant moderating effects, while no such effects were detected for demographic or clinical factors. Sensitivity analyses and publication bias assessments supported the robustness of the findings. Risk of bias assessment suggested moderate or high risk in most studies. Overall, lower GRSE is associated with more severe PG, highlighting the need for improved designs and measurement in future research.
Nagy et al. (Thu,) studied this question.