Abstract

In order to examine the variables affecting gambling behavior and find intervention strategies, this study examined the effects of basic psychological needs satisfaction on the severity of gambling behavior and low-level gambling behavior through the general motivation level and mattering respectively. Self-reported data of 402 adults who have participated in gambling at least once in the last 3 months were analyzed, and dual-mediator model was conducted. Basic psychological needs satisfaction significantly contributed to gambling behavior severity through general motivation and mattering. Specifically, basic psychological needs satisfaction had a significant positive effect on mattering through general motivation. and mattering through this path had a significant negative effect on gambling behavior severity. On the other hand, basic psychological needs satisfaction had a significant negative effect on low-level gambling behavior, but the dual mediating effect of general motivation and mattering was not significant in this relationship. Based on these results, the theoretical implications on the effects of the general motivation and interpersonal presence on gambling behavior were proposed, study limitations and suggestions for future research were discussed.