An item response theory analysis of the Problem Gambling Severity Index

Assessment. 2012 Jun;19(2):167-75. doi: 10.1177/1073191111418296. Epub 2011 Aug 19.

Abstract

Increases in the availability of gambling heighten the need for a short screening measure of problem gambling. The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is a brief measure that allows for the assessment of characteristics of gambling behavior and severity and its consequences. The authors evaluate the psychometric properties of the PGSI using item response theory methods in a representative sample of the urban adult population in South Africa (N = 3,000). The PGSI items were evaluated for differential item functioning (DIF) due to language translation. DIF was not detected. The PGSI was found to be unidimensional, and use of the nominal categories model provided additional information at higher values of the underlying construct relative to a simpler binary model. This study contributes to the growing literature supporting the PGSI as the screen of choice for assessing gambling problems in the general population.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chi-Square Distribution
  • Female
  • Gambling / diagnosis
  • Gambling / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Personality Disorders / diagnosis
  • Personality Disorders / psychology*
  • Personality Tests*
  • Psychological Theory*
  • Psychometrics*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • South Africa