The Relationship Between Qua Bao and Gambling Behaviour: A Cross-Cultural Study of Vietnamese, Chinese and Anglo/Euro-Australians in Australia.

Culture has been identified as an important variable in relation to gambling behaviour however, there has been a considerable lack of empirical research in this area. In order to close the significant gap between culture and problem gambling behaviour, the present paper examined the relationship between Qua Bao (retribution), belief in good luck, psychological states, gambling cognitions, acculturation and gambling behaviour in Vietnamese, Chinese and Anglo/Euro-Australians living in Australia. In study 1, it was hypothesized that there will be a positive relationship between gambling affiliates and problem gambling in all cultural groups such that higher belief in good luck, psychological states, irrational gambling beliefs and Qua Bao will be associated with increased rates of gambling behaviour in the Vietnamese, Chinese and Anglo/Euro-Australian groups. In study 2, it was predicted that specific cultural beliefs such as Qua Bao in the Vietnamese group could better predict gambling behaviour compared to the Chinese and Anglo/Euro-Australian group. In study 3, it was predicted that acculturation could negatively predict gambling behaviour in the Vietnamese and Chinese group. Three hundred and seventy-eight participants completed self-report measures of gambling behaviour, gambling cognitions, psychological states, specific cultural beliefs and acculturation. The participants were recruited via the first year psychology student pool from the University of Queensland and individuals living in the metropolitan area in Brisbane. Results of study 1 showed that there was a positive relationship between gambling affiliates and problem gambling in all cultural groups. Results of study 2 showed that specific cultural beliefs such as Qua Bao in the Vietnamese group could better predict gambling behaviour compared to the Chinese and Anglo/Euro-Australian group. Results of study 3 showed that in addition to psychological states, gambling related cognitions, and acculturation, Qua Bao was also a significant predictor of gambling behaviour only for the Vietnamese community. The results support a cross-cultural model of understanding problem gambling behaviour. It would be of benefit to psychologists to consider specific cultural beliefs such as Qua Bao in their conceptualisation and treatment of patients with gambling problems, especially in the ‘at risk’ Vietnamese community, to ensure best clinical practice