The Psycho-Structural Cybernetic Model, Feedback, and Problem Gambling: A New Theoretical Approach

The majority of etiological models of problem gambling fail to address various elements leading to this maladaptive behaviour pattern, despite recognizing that a multitude of factors contribute to its development and maintenance. Models focus either on the individual (agentic) or on the structural level of analysis. Consequently, most models inherently fall prey to reductionism. This bi-polarity of models has led to the search for a more wideranging method. This article describes fourth-order cybernetic theory, a comprehensive and alternative approach to address the problems inherent in earlier etiological models of problem gambling. Cybernetics, a feedback system, displays great potential in addressing the complex interactions between the agentic and structural levels that lead to problem gambling and its maintenance.