DECISION-MAKING STYLES AND SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING AS PREDICTORS OF PROBLEM GAMBLING BEHAVIOUR AMONG TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS STUDENTS IN IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Problem gambling is increasingly seen as a public health concern among university students, especially in regions with greater access to betting platforms. This study examined how decision-making styles and subjective well-being impact problem gambling among tertiary students in Ibadan, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey of 1,282 students, chosen through convenience sampling, was conducted. Standardized assessments measured decision-making styles, subjective well-being, and gambling severity. Data analysis included Pearson correlation and multiple regression. Findings indicated that avoidant (β = .16, p < .001), rational (β = .12, p = .001), and intuitive (β = .08, p = .004) decision-making styles significantly predicted problem gambling, whereas dependent and spontaneous styles did not. Subjective well-being was also a significant reverse predictor (β = −.11, p < .001). The overall model was statistically significant, F(2, 1279) = 17.51, p < .001, but accounted for only a small amount of variance (R² = .03). These results suggest that maladaptive decision-making increases the risk of gambling, whereas higher subjective well-being may serve as a protective factor. The small effect size suggests that other factors may be more influential. The study discusses implications for psychological interventions and mental health support for students.

Keywords: problem gambling, decision-making styles, subjective well-being, undergraduates, Nigeria