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Problems with the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI): Is it fit for public health monitoring of gambling harms? An analysis with Rasch Measurement Theory.

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) is a widely used tool for measuring gambling-related issues, playing a central role in service delivery and national monitoring, especially in the British context. However, it was developed a quarter of a century ago under clinical paradigms of "problem gambling," raising questions about alignment with contemporary public health approaches. This study evaluates the suitability of PGSI for clinical and population-level monitoring, using Rasch Measurement Theory. METHOD: = 15,716). Metrics assessed included person and item reliability and separation, rating-scale functionality, dimensionality, and relationship between raw and Rasch Measurement Theory scores. RESULTS: As a clinical screen tool for problem gambling, the PGSI is broadly fit for purpose, exhibiting acceptable binary discrimination and high precision at the clinical threshold. However, person reliability (0.19-0.58) was suboptimal for discriminating between low-, medium-, and high-risk categories. For general population samples, the targeting (mean person measure = -3.18 to -2.69 logits) indicated items were too difficult. Dimensionality suggested two constructs: behaviors and impacts. Most items demonstrate item parameter drift in difficulty levels. Response categories "Most of the time" and "Almost always" exhibited redundancy. CONCLUSIONS: While the PGSI functions well for its designed purpose (a clinical screen), limitations in targeting, reliability, and dimensionality undermine effectiveness for public health/national monitoring. Alternative tools are required, aligned with contemporary public health strategies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Source: Psychology of Addictive Behaviors

DOI: 10.1037/adb0001189

Authors: James Close, Ryan Statton

Institution: University of Plymouth

Language: English

Topic: Gambling Behavior and Treatments

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: GambleAware