Authors : Ruth Muthoni Muturi

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 8 - August

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4puau8hy

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/ax8vzkpw

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26aug137

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Problem gambling has emerged as a significant public health concern among university students worldwide, with growing evidence linking gambling-related harm to poorer psychological functioning. This article draws on a wider correlational study to examine specifically the relationship between problem gambling and psychological well-being (PWB) among male undergraduate students in universities in the Upper Eastern Region of Kenya, comprising Meru, Tharaka Nithi, and Embu Counties. Anchored on flow theory and cognitive behavioural therapy, the study sampled 384 male students using Yamane's formula and stratified random sampling across five universities, with 298 questionnaires returned (77.6% response rate). Problem gambling was measured using an adapted Problem Gambling Severity Index, while PWB was assessed using an 18- item scale spanning Ryff's six dimensions of well-being. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to test the study's hypothesis at the 0.05 significance level.

Keywords : Problem Gambling; Psychological Well-Being; Male University Students; Upper Eastern Region; Kenya; Flow Theory; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

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