Behavioral Addictions and Risk-Taking in the Digital Age: Gambling, Sports Betting, and Emerging Challenges

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topic aims to explore the growing phenomenon of behavioral addictions and risk-taking behaviors in the digital era, with a particular focus on gambling, sports betting, and related disorders. The accessibility of online betting platforms, along with the gamification of financial and entertainment systems, has led to an increase in problematic behaviors, especially among adolescents and young adults. These behaviors are often linked to emotional vulnerability, impulsivity, and co-occurring mental health issues.

We invite original research, systematic reviews, and theoretical discussions that address the psychological, emotional, neurobiological, and sociocultural mechanisms associated with gambling and digital behavioral addictions. We especially encourage studies that examine prevention models, public health policies, psychometric tools, and innovative interventions (e.g., digital or cognitive–behavioral approaches). By fostering interdisciplinary and cross-cultural dialogue, this topic aims to enhance scientific understanding of behavioral addictions and contribute to the development of effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Prof. Dr. André Luiz Monezi Andrade
Dr. Denise De Micheli
Topic Editors

Keywords

Participating Journals

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Behavioral Sciences behavsci	2.5	3.1	2011	29.6 Days	CHF 2200	Submit
Healthcare healthcare	2.7	4.7	2013	21.5 Days	CHF 2700	Submit
Psychiatry International psychiatryint	1.1	2.0	2020	28.8 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Adolescents adolescents	0.8	1.8	2021	32 Days	CHF 1200	Submit
Social Sciences socsci	1.7	3.1	2012	34.5 Days	CHF 1800	Submit
Children children	2.1	3.8	2014	15.6 Days	CHF 2400	Submit

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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21 pages, 1542 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Do the Four Components of Psychological Capital Have Differential Buffering Effects? A Longitudinal Study on Parental Neglect and Adolescent Problematic Short-Form Video Use

by Lianpeng An, Xiaopan Xu, Hongwei Li and Qingqi Liu

Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(10), 1396; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15101396 - 15 Oct 2025

Viewed by 334

Abstract

The growing prevalence of short-form video applications among adolescents has drawn increased public and scholarly attention to problematic short-form video use. The current longitudinal study gathered data from adolescents aged 12 to 15 across two waves spaced one year apart. A total of [...] Read more.

The growing prevalence of short-form video applications among adolescents has drawn increased public and scholarly attention to problematic short-form video use. The current longitudinal study gathered data from adolescents aged 12 to 15 across two waves spaced one year apart. A total of 665 participants provided reports on parental neglect, problematic short-form video use, psychological capital, and demographic details at Time 1 (T1), and reported again on problematic use at Time 2 (T2). After controlling for gender, age, parental education level, parental work status, family socioeconomic status, only-child status, and T1 problematic short-form video use, T1 parental neglect remained a significant predictor of T2 problematic use. Additionally, T1 self-efficacy, T1 resilience, and T1 hope significantly moderated the relationship between T1 parental neglect and T2 problematic use, whereas T1 optimism did not demonstrate a buffering effect. Specifically, the association between T1 parental neglect and T2 problematic use did not vary significantly between adolescents with high and low levels of optimism. However, the predictive effect was significantly weaker, though still statistically significant, among adolescents with higher self-efficacy and hope. Most notably, among those with higher resilience, the effect of parental neglect became non-significant. The study offers valuable evidence-based insights for preventing and addressing adolescent problematic short-form video use in the mobile internet era. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Behavioral Addictions and Risk-Taking in the Digital Age: Gambling, Sports Betting, and Emerging Challenges)

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16 pages, 272 KB  

Open AccessArticle

Adolescent Screen Time and Sleep Quality: Predictive Factors and Their Effect on Academic Achievement Among Adolescents in Jordan

by Nahla M. Al Ali and Afnan Emad Abu-Libdha

Adolescents 2025, 5(4), 55; https://doi.org/10.3390/adolescents5040055 - 9 Oct 2025

Viewed by 777

Abstract

Adolescents’ increasing screen time has been linked to poor sleep quality, which may, in turn, affect their academic performance. This study aimed to examine screen time patterns among Jordanian adolescents and assess their associations with sleep quality and academic achievement. A descriptive correlational [...] Read more.

Adolescents’ increasing screen time has been linked to poor sleep quality, which may, in turn, affect their academic performance. This study aimed to examine screen time patterns among Jordanian adolescents and assess their associations with sleep quality and academic achievement. A descriptive correlational study was conducted among 477 students aged 12–14 years from four randomly selected schools in northern Jordan. Participants completed the validated Questionnaire for Screen Time of Adolescents (QueST) and the Adolescent Sleep–Wake Scale–Short Version (ASWS-S), while academic performance was assessed using GPA from school records. Results showed that average screen time was 9.13 h per day. Weekend screen time emerged as a significant negative predictor of sleep quality (β = −0.27, p = 0.016). Gender and school type were also significant predictors. Adolescents with screen devices in their bedrooms and those with chronic medical conditions reported higher screen time. Although total screen time did not significantly predict academic achievement, it showed a moderate negative correlation with sleep quality (r = −0.18, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that excessive screen use, particularly on weekends, may impair sleep quality among adolescents. Interventions targeting screen habits could help enhance sleep and potentially benefit academic performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Behavioral Addictions and Risk-Taking in the Digital Age: Gambling, Sports Betting, and Emerging Challenges)

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