Gambling : popularity, preference and risk-taking behaviour.

Abstract

This paper examined the effects of social approval on individuals' risk-taking tendencies with personal preferences as a mediator for the link. In study 1, I found that social approval did affect personal preference for the game. However no links were found between social approval and risk-taking tendencies as well as personal preference and risk-taking tendencies. Study 2 was conducted to explain how subjective norm affect personal preference for the game thus the risk taking tendencies. In study 2, family’s beliefs about playing the games did affect individuals’ willingness to take risks as well as personal preferences for the games. However, no support was found for the relationship between personal preferences and willingness to take risks.