GamTest: Psychometric Evaluation in a Low-Gambling General Population

Abstract

Instruments that investigate different aspects of gambling activities are needed to distinguish negative consequences. Because gambling is a complex activity that occurs both offline and online, different questionnaires are necessary for screening and risk classification. GamTest, an instrument used by several gambling companies, was designed to cover different aspects of gambling: money and time spent, as well as social, financial, and emotional consequences. This study explores GamTest’s psychometric properties in a general population. A total of 2,234 Swedish respondents completed an online survey containing demographic questions, the questionnaire (GamTest), and the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). A confirmatory factor analysis was performed and GamTest’s reliability and validity tested. The confirmatory factor analysis yielded an inclusive fit. The internal consistency (omega) for the five factors was high (.79–.91), indicating good reliability, and a high positive correlation with the PGSI supported the validity of the GamTest. The inclusive fit of the confirmatory factor analysis can be explained by the low endorsement of negative consequences of gambling in the sample. However, GamTest seems to have good reliability and validity. The utility of GamTest is discussed in relation to its psychometric properties and its use in the responsible gambling tool Playscan.RésuméPour être en mesure d’évaluer les conséquences négatives du jeu, il nous faut des instruments qui étudient différents aspects de ces activités. Comme le jeu est une activité complexe qui se déroule à la fois hors ligne et en ligne, différents questionnaires sont nécessaires à des fins de dépistage et de classification des risques. Le GamTest est un instrument utilisé par plusieurs entreprises de jeux d’argent. Il a été conçu pour couvrir différents aspects du jeu: l’argent dépensé et le temps passé, ainsi que les conséquences sociales, financières et émotionnelles. Cette étude explore les propriétés psychométriques du GamTest dans une population en général. Au total, 2234 Suédois ont répondu à un sondage en ligne contenant des questions démographiques, le questionnaire (GamTest) et l’indice de gravité du jeu problématique. Une analyse factorielle de confirmation a été effectuée. La fiabilité et la validité du GamTest ont également été testées. L’analyse factorielle de confirmation a donné un ajustement inclusif. La cohérence interne (Omega) pour les cinq facteurs était élevée (0,79 à 0,91) indiquant une bonne fiabilité. Une corrélation positive élevée avec l’IGPJ a confirmé la validité du GamTest. L’ajustement inclusif de l’analyse factorielle peut s’expliquer par le faible endossement des conséquences négatives du jeu dans l’échantillon. Cependant, le GamTest semble être fiable et valide. L’utilité du Gamtest est abordée sous l’angle de ses propriétés psychométriques et de son utilisation dans l’outil de jeu responsable Plyscan.

Further Exploration of the Psychometric Properties of GamTest: A Rasch Analysis

“…However, SKOP used an e-mailing list so that part of the data collection can be viewed as pseudonym. The sample is the same as in [ 6 ]. The inclusion criteria were: (1) aged 18–85 years, (2) fluent in Swedish, and (3) having access to a computer.…”

“…For both, the mean age, t (2088) = 2.176, p = 0.03, and the mean income, t (2373) = 2.702, p ≤ 0.01, were significantly lower in the attrition group compared to the n = 2234 who completed the questionnaire. For more info, see [ 6 ].…”

“…The survey included the following instruments: GamTest [ 6 , 7 ]; PGSI [ 4 ]; Generalized Anxiety Disorder—7 Items [ 11 ], and the Patient Health Questionnaire—9 Items [ 12 ]. The latter two instruments were included to allow an examination of the relationship between the negative consequences of gambling and anxiety and depression; data from these instruments and PGSI were not included in the current study.…”

“…However, most well-established instruments were designed for screening rather than full risk assessment, and/or do not cover all the different facets of the construct of ‘problem gambling’ and its inherent negative consequences. A more recently developed instrument, GamTest [ 6 , 7 ], was designed to address these limitations. The GamTest is already used by several Nordic and European gambling providers, and is integrated in the popular responsible gambling (RG) tool Playscan.…”

“…A second study was, therefore, performed to investigate the GamTest’s psychometric properties in an overall low-gambling population. The study found an inconclusive fit for the five-factor solution, but the instrument still showed good internal reliability [ 6 ]. The two studies highlighted the need for further psychometric evaluations using a modern psychometric test theory, including examining how well the instrument works in terms of its scale-steps, item functioning, and ability to differentiate between respondents with different risk profiles.…”