Date of Graduation

Fall 2025

Degree

Master of Science in Psychology

Department

Mental Health & Behavioral Science

Committee Chair

Wayne Mitchell

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between impulsive measures, income spending on gaming, and delayed discounting in a Gatha player sample. Two model approaches were employed: (1) a mediation model approach predicting delayed discounting with age and education level as mediators and (2) a multiple regression model predicting delayed discounting. Although the proposed models were exploratory, it was the contention of the author that these analyses would result in a better understanding of delayed discounting in Gacha gaming. Both age and education level were not correlated with the dependent variable (spending ratio), therefore the mediation model was not conducted. The hypothesized regression model suggested that multiple aspects of impulsivity and discounting affect spending ratio, but the result indicated the only necessary predictor is Discounting (b = 0.087, t (73) = 3.067, p = 0.003). Greater delayed discounting corresponded to making a more impulsive decision and seeking small-immediate reinforcement versus larger-delayed reinforcement. In concordance with this, greater discounting is associated with a range of behavioral risk disorders (e.g., substance abuse, gambling) as a result of impulsive decision-making. Assessing impulsive factors associated with delayed discounting in a unique population (Gacha gamers) and associated demographic variables should lend a better understanding of risky behavior as a function of money spent in Gacha gaming.

Keywords

gacha, impulsivity, delay discounting, probability discounting, UPPS-P

Subject Categories

Other Psychiatry and Psychology

Copyright

© Minh Quang Nguyen

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Open Access

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