Abstract
We test a moderated mediation model in which the effect of quality of life on gambling disorder was mediated by escape, and this mediation effect was further moderated by gambling craving. Participants (N = 197: 83% male, M age = 24.05 years, SD age = 7.23 years) online gamblers took part in the survey and responded to the Problem Gambling Severity Index, Gambling Quality of Life Scale, Gambling Outcome Expectancies Scale – Escape, and the Gambling Craving Scale. PROCESS macro analysis result reveals a significant moderated mediation effect of the QoL-escape path by GAC. The findings provide support for escape outcome expectancies as a potential pathway through which the QoL-GD association may thrive specifically, influenced by how disordered gamblers crave for gambling generally. We contribute to growing QoL-GD literature. However, further investigations are needed to reach a consensus on craving as a criterion for GD.