The Examination of Cryptocurrency Trading Behaviors in Relation to Gambling Disorder and Psychological Risk Factors

Cryptocurrencies are digital assets that differ from traditional currencies in their unique characteristics. An increasing number of individuals are showing interest in cryptocurrency trading and spending long hours engaged in this activity. Current studies point out that some behaviors of cryptocurrency investors may be associated with problematic mental health outcomes. The present study aims to investigate problematic cryptocurrency trading behaviors and to examine these behaviors in terms of gambling disorder and psychological risk factors. Based on this aim, 204 volunteered participants whose ages ranged between 18 and 65 (M. = 31.62, SD = 6.95) were recruited. For data collection, Problematic Cryptocurrency Trading Scale, Problem Gambling Severity Index, Eysenck Personality Questionnaire Revised-Abbreviated Form, UPPS Impulsive Behavior Scale, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule were administered. Results demonstrated that participants exhibiting symptoms of problematic cryptocurrency trading had higher levels of problem gambling severity, negative emotions, extraversion, and urgency, along with lower levels of premeditation and perseverance. Additionally, the linear regression with backwards elimination revealed that problem gambling severity and extraversion are associated with problematic cryptocurrency trading. These findings suggest that greater engagement in cryptocurrency speculation may be associated with increased gambling behaviors, and that both activities could be linked to underlying personality traits, impulsivity, and negative emotions.