Le joueur pathologique d'appareils de loterie vidéo : un système non-régulé?

De nombreux joueurs pathologiques (JP) consacrent plus de temps et d'argent qu'ils ne peuvent se le permettre aux appareils de loterie vidéo (ALV). Ils rapportent éprouver beaucoup de difficulté à restreindre leurs dépenses au jeu. Ils affirment ne pas pouvoir se contrôler. Divers modèles d'autorégulation du comportement en psychologie, qui décrivent les mécanismes d'échec à l'autocontrôle, se sont inspirés de la cybernétique. Basée sur un modèle cybernétique, cette thèse vise à expliquer pourquoi les JP dépensent relativement plus de ressources (temps et argent) aux ALV que les joueurs non-pathologiques (JNP). Selon ce modèle, les JP peuvent dépenser plus de temps et d'argent pendant une séance typique de jeu que les JNP s'ils ne se fixent pas de limites pour le jeu. D'autre part, même s'ils se fixent des limites, les JP peuvent dépenser plus que les JNP si leurs limites sont plus élevées ou s'ils ne respectent pas leurs limites pour le jeu. Une méthode mixte a été utilisée afin de tester quantitativement ces hypothèses et explorer qualitativement le mécanisme qui sous-tend le comportement d'autorégulation des joueurs. Des entrevues individuelles semi-structurées portant sur la gestion du temps et de l'argent pendant une séance typique de jeu aux ALV ont été menées auprès de dix JP et dix JNP (échantillon pilote) et 33 JP et 32 JNP (échantillon principal). Les résultats montrent que la majorité des JP et des JNP se fixent une limite d'argent pour leur séance de jeu. Toutefois, les JP se fixent une limite d'argent plus élevée que les JNP et la respectent moins souvent que ces derniers. Les résultats montrent aussi que la limite d'argent fixée pour le jeu prédit le montant dépensé au jeu. De plus, le montant dépensé au-delà de cette limite prédit le nombre de critères diagnostiques qu'endossent les joueurs. Une analyse de contenu d'un sous-échantillon d'entrevues transcrites a aussi permis de dégager quatre types de limites pour une séance de jeu : explicite, implicite, externe et interne. Une opérationnalisation de l'autocontrôle au jeu d'ALV en termes du respect de limites est discutée

Return rates of online slot machines in trial mode influence players’ errors of estimation

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of an exaggerated return rate on players’ errors of estimation and irrational beliefs. Conventional return rates for slot machines are set around 92%, whereas online gambling websites often use much higher return rates during demonstration (demo) play. Seventy college students were randomly assigned to play a virtual slot machine programmed to reflect a 92% return rate (control group) or a 180% return rate (experimental group). They completed self-reported measures of errors of estimation (e.g., chances of winning and losing) and irrational beliefs (e.g., having already won guarantees future wins) before and after playing a virtual slot machine for 10 min. Results from mixed 2 × 2 analyses of variance revealed statistically significant differences in errors of estimation (i.e., chances of winning, chances of winning the jackpot, chances of neither winning nor losing) between the experimental and control groups. Furthermore, participants estimated having less chance of losing during a slot machine session after exposure to the exaggerated return rate. Given the fact that many online gambling websites use similar exaggerated return rates during the demo period of their virtual slot machines, the present results suggest that this tactic may incite players to behave differently than they would otherwise during a gambling session. Implications for responsible gambling strategies are discussed. La présente étude visait à évaluer l’impact d’un taux exagéré de retour sur les erreurs d’estimation et les croyances irrationnelles des joueurs. Les taux de retour conventionnels pour les machines à sous sont établis à environ 92%, tandis que les sites de jeux en ligne utilisent souvent des taux de retour beaucoup plus élevés dans les démonstrations de jeux. Soixante-dix étudiants universitaires ont été assignés au hasard à une machine à sous virtuelle programmée qui reflète un taux de retour de 92 % (groupe témoin) ou une autre affichant un taux de retour de 180 % (groupe expérimental). Ils ont complété des mesures auto-déclarées des erreurs d’estimation (p. ex., les chances de gagner et de perdre) et des croyances irrationnelles (p. ex., avoir déjà gagné garantit des gains futurs) avant et après avoir joué à une machine à sous virtuelle pendant 10 minutes. Les résultats d’analyses de la variance (mixte 2 x 2) ont révélé des différences statistiquement significatives dans les erreurs d’estimation (c’est-à-dire les chances de gagner, les chances de gagner le jackpot, les chances de ne pas gagner ni de perdre) entre le groupe expérimental et le groupe témoin. De plus, les participants ont estimé avoir moins de chances de perdre pendant une séance de machine à sous après avoir été exposés au taux de retour exagéré. Étant donné que de nombreux sites de jeux en ligne utilisent des taux de retour exagérés similaires pendant la démonstration de leurs machines à sous virtuelles, les résultats actuels suggèrent que cette tactique peut inciter les joueurs à se comporter différemment que pendant une séance de jeu avec une machine affichant un taux de retour conventionnel. On y aborde les conséquences pour les stratégies de jeu responsable

Preliminary evidence of a relationship between injury and sport camera use in winter sliding sports

PURPOSE: The accessibility of digital technologies has led to an increased use of video cameras in sliding winter sports. However, very little is known on the risks associated with the use of such equipment. In other contexts, camera use was associated with a social facilitation effect involving an increase in performance (Yu et al., 2015). In winter sliding sports like snowboard and alpine skiing, the culture is characterized by a valorization of risk taking (Anderson, 1999). This effect could translate in greater risk taking when a camera is around (Rodrigue et al, 2012). The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between camera use and injury risk in winter sliding sports, while considering psychosocial factors associated with injuries including age, sex, perceived skill level, intentional risk taking and personality traits (impulsivity and sensation seeking). METHODS: The study was a self-reported follow-up survey conducted online among canadian winter sliding sports athletes before and after a winter ski season within an interval of 4 months. RESULTS: Among the 224 adolescents and adults (121 men and 103 women) who completed the surveys, 32,6% were aged 14-25 years, 32,3% aged 26-25 years and 36,2% aged 36 years +. Descriptive statistics indicates that 37,1% were filmed during sports practice at least once during past 12 months prior to the study an 42,0% were filmed at least once during the follow-up ski season. Among them, 25,7% reported that they take more risks when they are filmed “sometimes”, “often” or “always”. A logistic regression analysis predicting the occurrence of an injury by the end of the ski season indicates that camera use during the ski season is significantly associated with injury risk (OR = 0,25 p < 0,001) even after including psychosocial factors usually associated with injury risk in the model, including intentional risk taking, perceived skill level and sensation seeking also being significant predictors of injury. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a possible injury risk associated with the use of a camera on the slopes, partially explained by a social facilitation effect, but it is unclear at this moment if this risk could also involve the camera itself depending on the type of use (i.e. on a selfie stick). These results should be supported by objective data from an experimental design

Risk and protective factors for burnout among psychologists and neuropsychologists: A scoping review

Health care professions are emotionally demanding, requiring special skills in caring and empathy. In the health care field, many professions have been linked to burnout, notably through compassion fatigue. Several studies have attempted to determine what factors influence burnout among health care workers in general; however, few have focused exclusively on psychologists (PSYs) and neuropsychologists (NPSYs). This scoping review aims to better understand the determinants of burnout among PSYs and NPSYs specifically. It also aims to identify which factors allow PSYs and NPSYs to adapt and thrive at work despite the difficulties those professions bring. This research focused on burnout, job satisfaction, and well-being at work. Among the most notable results obtained from 27 scientific studies are as follows: (a) PSYs and NPSYs are generally very satisfied at work despite high burnout rates; (b) individual factors and the work environment impact the mental health of PSYs and NPSYs; (c) self-care behaviors are favorable for job satisfaction, and they also decrease the risk of burnout. In addition, it appears that a feeling of autonomy has an important influence on burnout symptoms, which is consistent with self-determination theory. In sum, this scoping review reveals that factors such as self-compassion, work–life balance, control over work, and administrative tasks can reduce the risk of burnout as well as improve job satisfaction and mental health among PSYs and NPSYs

Obsessive passion: a compensatory response to unsatisfied needs

The present research investigated the role of two sources of psychological need satisfaction (inside and outside a passionate activity) as determinants of harmonious (HP) and obsessive (OP) passion. Four studies were carried out with different samples of young and middle-aged adults (e.g., athletes, musicians; total N=648). Different research designs (cross-sectional, mixed, longitudinal) were also used. Results showed that only a rigid engagement in a passionate activity (OP) was predicted by low levels of need satisfaction outside the passionate activity (in an important life context or in life in general), whereas both OP and a more favorable and balanced type of passion, HP were positively predicted by need satisfaction inside the passionate activity. Further, OP led to negative outcomes, and HP predicted positive outcomes. These results suggest that OP may represent a form of compensatory striving for psychological need satisfaction. It appears important to consider two distinct sources of need satisfaction, inside and outside the passionate activity, when investigating determinants of optimal and less optimal forms of activity engagemen

Identifying Psychosocial Determinants of the Development of Passion among Elite Level Hockey Players

Although a rapidly accumulating body of research exists on the determinants and consequences of harmonious and obsessive passion (see Vallerand, 2015), few studies have yet explored the processes involved in the development of both types of passion. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the psychosocial determinants of the development of passion among elite level hockey players

'Magic coins' and 'magic squares': the discovery of astrological sigils in the Oldenburg Letters

Enclosed in a 1673 letter to Henry Oldenburg were two drawings of a series of astrological sigils, coins and amulets from the collection of Strasbourg mathematician Julius Reichelt (1637–1719). As portrayals of particular medieval and early modern sigils are relatively rare, this paper will analyse the role of these medals in medieval and early modern medicine, the logic behind their perceived efficacy, and their significance in early modern astrological and cabalistic practice. I shall also demonstrate their change in status in the late seventeenth century from potent magical healing amulets tied to the mysteries of the heavens to objects kept in a cabinet for curiosos. The evolving perception of the purpose of sigils mirrored changing early modern beliefs in the occult influences of the heavens upon the body and the natural world, as well as the growing interests among virtuosi in collecting, numismatics and antiquities

Changes in Canadian Adolescent Well-Being since the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Prior Child Maltreatment

Adolescents may be particularly vulnerable to the negative impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, given their increased socialization needs during this developmental period. This prospective study examined the potential changes in adolescents’ well-being from before to during the pandemic, and the moderating role of a history of child maltreatment (CM), COVID-19-related distress, and gender among 1,802 adolescents (55.5% participants identified as boy, 42.2% as girl, and 1.5% as nonbinary; Mage 14.74 years). Another aim was to determine whether COVID-19-related distress mediated the relationship between CM and well-being. Results revealed that COVID-19-related distress was associated with lower well-being (i.e., higher levels of internalized and externalized behaviors, and lower levels of self-esteem and life satisfaction). Boys experienced a greater decrease in life satisfaction and self-esteem than girls. A history of CM had a moderation effect, with the pandemic having a lesser impact on the outcomes of adolescents with such a history. However, it was also associated with more COVID-19-related distress, which in turn was associated with lower levels of internalized and externalized behaviors, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. These unexpected results with regard to CM might indicate that the social restrictions during the pandemic could have had a relieving effect on adolescents with particular challenges associated with CM

(Mal)adaptive cognitions as predictors of statistics anxiety

A vast majority of social science students experience statistics anxiety in their statistics class, a course often perceived as the most difficult one of their academic paths. The present study examines the role of attitudes towards statistics, cognitive emotion regulation strategies, and satisfaction of psychological needs in the prediction of statistics anxiety as well as the contribution of gender onto statistics anxiety. Two hundred forty-two undergraduate social sciences students in Canada completed the study. Positive attitude towards statistics, fewer maladaptive emotion regulation strategies, and satisfaction of psychological needs were related to less statistics anxiety; adaptive emotion regulation strategies, however, were not. Furthermore, women experienced more statistics anxiety than men. Results provide insight about individual differences that may impact experiences of statistics anxiety and overall learning in the context of a statistics course

DNA methylation and methyl-CpG binding proteins: developmental requirements and function

DNA methylation is a major epigenetic modification in the genomes of higher eukaryotes. In vertebrates, DNA methylation occurs predominantly on the CpG dinucleotide, and approximately 60% to 90% of these dinucleotides are modified. Distinct DNA methylation patterns, which can vary between different tissues and developmental stages, exist on specific loci. Sites of DNA methylation are occupied by various proteins, including methyl-CpG binding domain (MBD) proteins which recruit the enzymatic machinery to establish silent chromatin. Mutations in the MBD family member MeCP2 are the cause of Rett syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder, whereas other MBDs are known to bind sites of hypermethylation in human cancer cell lines. Here, we review the advances in our understanding of the function of DNA methylation, DNA methyltransferases, and methyl-CpG binding proteins in vertebrate embryonic development. MBDs function in transcriptional repression and long-range interactions in chromatin and also appear to play a role in genomic stability, neural signaling, and transcriptional activation. DNA methylation makes an essential and versatile epigenetic contribution to genome integrity and function