The Intersection of Appalachian Identity and Gambling Behaviors
Abstract
Gambling is a persistent historical activity that can yield both recreational benefits and adverse outcomes. Little is known, however, about how geo-socio-cultural factors shape gambling behaviors. This study applies a cross-sectional, correlational design to examine the relation between the centrality of Appalachian identity and gambling behavior among college students in central Appalachia. Survey data were collected online and measured gambling severity, frequency of engagement, emotional affect, and degree of Appalachian self-identification. The sample (n=106) was predominantly White and female, with a mean age of 20 years. A simultaneous multiple regression indicated that engagement significantly predicted severity (b = 0.85, p < .001), accounting for the majority of variance (R² = 0.615). Appalachian identity showed a negative coefficient but was not a statistically significant predictor (b = -0.22, p = .052). Contrary to prior research, neither positive (b = -0.03, p = 0.14) nor negative (b = 0.01, p = .64) affect significantly predicted severity. Pearson correlations corroborated engagement’s association with harm (r = 0.77, p < .001) and revealed only a weak, non-significant negative correlation between Appalachian identity and severity (r = -0.11). After recruiting a larger sample size, future analyses will utilize moderated regression, group comparisons, and logistical models to clarify the influence of Appalachian identity as it intersects with gambling behaviors. These preliminary findings suggest that engagement remains the primary driver of harm, while place-based identity may exert a subtle and possibly meaningful influence. Ongoing analyses aim to refine how such identity factors interact with behavioral addictions in this under-researched population. Future research will clarify the mechanisms by which Appalachian identification might mitigate or enhance gambling-related risk, ultimately guiding the development of culturally responsive interventions and public health strategies better to address mental health treatment disparities in Appalachian communities.
Start Time
16-4-2025 10:00 AM
End Time
16-4-2025 11:00 AM
Room Number
304
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Grad/Comp Orals
Presentation Category
Social Sciences
Faculty Mentor
Meredith Ginley
The Intersection of Appalachian Identity and Gambling Behaviors
304
Gambling is a persistent historical activity that can yield both recreational benefits and adverse outcomes. Little is known, however, about how geo-socio-cultural factors shape gambling behaviors. This study applies a cross-sectional, correlational design to examine the relation between the centrality of Appalachian identity and gambling behavior among college students in central Appalachia. Survey data were collected online and measured gambling severity, frequency of engagement, emotional affect, and degree of Appalachian self-identification. The sample (n=106) was predominantly White and female, with a mean age of 20 years. A simultaneous multiple regression indicated that engagement significantly predicted severity (b = 0.85, p < .001), accounting for the majority of variance (R² = 0.615). Appalachian identity showed a negative coefficient but was not a statistically significant predictor (b = -0.22, p = .052). Contrary to prior research, neither positive (b = -0.03, p = 0.14) nor negative (b = 0.01, p = .64) affect significantly predicted severity. Pearson correlations corroborated engagement’s association with harm (r = 0.77, p < .001) and revealed only a weak, non-significant negative correlation between Appalachian identity and severity (r = -0.11). After recruiting a larger sample size, future analyses will utilize moderated regression, group comparisons, and logistical models to clarify the influence of Appalachian identity as it intersects with gambling behaviors. These preliminary findings suggest that engagement remains the primary driver of harm, while place-based identity may exert a subtle and possibly meaningful influence. Ongoing analyses aim to refine how such identity factors interact with behavioral addictions in this under-researched population. Future research will clarify the mechanisms by which Appalachian identification might mitigate or enhance gambling-related risk, ultimately guiding the development of culturally responsive interventions and public health strategies better to address mental health treatment disparities in Appalachian communities.