{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2026,7,6]],"date-time":"2026-07-06T15:57:08Z","timestamp":1783353428956,"version":"3.54.6"},"reference-count":80,"publisher":"Springer Science and Business Media LLC","issue":"1","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,1]],"date-time":"2026-04-01T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1775001600000},"content-version":"tdm","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-nd\/4.0"},{"start":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,20]],"date-time":"2026-05-20T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1779235200000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":49,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-nd\/4.0"}],"funder":[{"DOI":"10.13039\/501100015829","name":"Ministerstwo Zdrowia","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","award":["177\/HTK\/2020"],"award-info":[{"award-number":["177\/HTK\/2020"]}],"id":[{"id":"10.13039\/501100015829","id-type":"DOI","asserted-by":"publisher"}]}],"content-domain":{"domain":["link.springer.com"],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Sci Rep"],"DOI":"10.1038\/s41598-026-46637-0","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,1]],"date-time":"2026-04-01T17:17:22Z","timestamp":1775063842000},"update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/springer_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":1,"title":["Sex differences, perceived stress, gaming motives, and gambling-like attitudes toward loot-boxes predict risky loot box use among Polish gamers"],"prefix":"10.1038","volume":"16","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-7844-3667","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Bernadeta","family":"Lelonek-Kuleta","sequence":"first","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0001-7424-8576","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Andrzej","family":"Cudo","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-0620-0233","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Jonathan","family":"David","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-0433-7327","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Rafa\u0142 P.","family":"Bartczuk","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[],"role":[{"vocabulary":"crossref","role":"author"}]}],"member":"297","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,1]]},"reference":[{"key":"46637_CR1","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"530","DOI":"10.1038\/s41562-018-0360-1","volume":"2","author":"A Drummond","year":"2018","unstructured":"Drummond, A. & Sauer, J. D. Video game loot boxes are psychologically akin to gambling. Nat. Hum. Behav. 2, 530\u2013532 (2018).","journal-title":"Nat. Hum. Behav."},{"key":"46637_CR2","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1038\/s44159-023-00153-4","author":"M Flayelle","year":"2023","unstructured":"Flayelle, M. et al. A taxonomy of technology design features that promote potentially addictive online behaviours. Nat. Rev. Psychol. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s44159-023-00153-4 (2023).","journal-title":"Nat. Rev. Psychol."},{"key":"46637_CR3","first-page":"62","volume":"21","author":"DL King","year":"2009","unstructured":"King, D. L. & Delfabbro, P. H. Understanding and assisting excessive players of video games: A community psychology perspective. Aust Community Psychol. 21, 62\u201374 (2009).","journal-title":"Aust Community Psychol."},{"key":"46637_CR4","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1024\/0939-5911\/a000859","author":"F Rehbein","year":"2024","unstructured":"Rehbein, F., Gentile, D. A., Lemmens, J. & Rumpf, H. J. Structural Game Characteristics and Problematic Gaming. SUCHT https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1024\/0939-5911\/a000859 (2024).","journal-title":"SUCHT"},{"key":"46637_CR5","volume-title":"(le Centre du jeu excessif, Service de m\u00e9decine des addictions","author":"D Krupchanka","year":"2025","unstructured":"Krupchanka, D. Update on WHO work in the area of addictive behaviours. In (le Centre du jeu excessif, Service de m\u00e9decine des addictions, D\u00e9partement de psychiatrie du CHUV, Caux, (2025)."},{"key":"46637_CR6","unstructured":"Macey, J. & Hamari, J. The Games We Play: Relationships between Game Genre, Business Model and Loot Box Opening 193\u2013204 (Levi, 2019)."},{"key":"46637_CR7","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"986","DOI":"10.1038\/s41562-020-0900-3","volume":"4","author":"A Drummond","year":"2020","unstructured":"Drummond, A., Sauer, J. D., Hall, L. C., Zendle, D. & Loudon, M. R. Why loot boxes could be regulated as gambling. Nat. Hum. Behav. 4, 986\u2013988 (2020).","journal-title":"Nat. Hum. Behav."},{"key":"46637_CR8","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"633","DOI":"10.1089\/glr2.2019.2397","volume":"23","author":"JL Derevensky","year":"2019","unstructured":"Derevensky, J. L. & Griffiths, M. D. Convergence between gambling and gaming: does the gambling and gaming industry have a responsibility in protecting the consumer? Gaming Law Rev. 23, 633\u2013639 (2019).","journal-title":"Gaming Law Rev."},{"key":"46637_CR9","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"107595","DOI":"10.1016\/j.addbeh.2022.107595","volume":"140","author":"A Kato","year":"2023","unstructured":"Kato, A. et al. Computational models of behavioral addictions: State of the art and future directions. Addict. Behav. 140, 107595 (2023).","journal-title":"Addict. Behav."},{"key":"46637_CR10","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"141","DOI":"10.1007\/s10899-019-09913-5","volume":"37","author":"CJ Larche","year":"2021","unstructured":"Larche, C. J., Chini, K., Lee, C., Dixon, M. J. & Fernandes, M. Rare Loot Box Rewards Trigger Larger Arousal and Reward Responses, and Greater Urge to Open More Loot Boxes. J. Gambl. Stud. 37, 141\u2013163 (2021).","journal-title":"J. Gambl. Stud."},{"key":"46637_CR11","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"27","DOI":"10.1016\/j.addbeh.2019.05.016","volume":"97","author":"W Li","year":"2019","unstructured":"Li, W., Mills, D. & Nower, L. The relationship of loot box purchases to problem video gaming and problem gambling. Addict. Behav. 97, 27\u201334 (2019).","journal-title":"Addict. Behav."},{"key":"46637_CR12","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"383","DOI":"10.32084\/tekapr.2020.13.2-29","volume":"13","author":"B Lelonek-Kuleta","year":"2020","unstructured":"Lelonek-Kuleta, B., Niewiadomska, I. & Chwaszcz, M. Psychological and Legal Aspects of Using Loot Boxes. Teka Kom Prawniczej PAN Oddz W Lublinie. 13, 383\u2013392 (2020).","journal-title":"Teka Kom Prawniczej PAN Oddz W Lublinie"},{"key":"46637_CR13","unstructured":"Dery\u0142o, M. Lootboksy. Wirtualne przedmioty (na razie?) poza kontrol\u0105 ustawodawc\u00f3w. Gekko Taxens https:\/\/www.taxens.pl\/podatki\/lootboksy-wirtualne-przedmioty-na-razie-poza-kontrola-ustawodawcow\/ (2024)."},{"key":"46637_CR14","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"104","DOI":"10.1145\/3611024","volume":"7","author":"M Denoo","year":"2023","unstructured":"Denoo, M., Dupont, B., Grosemans, E., Zaman, B. & De Cock, R. Counterplay: Circumventing the Belgian Ban on Loot Boxes by Adolescents. Proc. ACM Hum. -Comput Interact. 7, 104\u2013130 (2023).","journal-title":"Proc. ACM Hum. -Comput Interact."},{"key":"46637_CR15","unstructured":"Declerck, P. & Feci, N. Mapping and Analysis of the Current Regulatory Framework on Gambling(-like) Elements in Video Games: A Report in the Framework of the \u2018Gam(e)(a)Ble\u2019 Research Project\u2019.  http:\/\/hdl.handle.net\/1854\/LU-8768539 (2022)."},{"key":"46637_CR16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Xiao, L. y. Loot box state of play 2023: law, regulation, policy, and enforcement around the world. Gaming Law Rev. 28, 450\u2013483 (2024).","DOI":"10.1089\/glr2.2024.0006"},{"key":"46637_CR17","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"345","DOI":"10.21202\/jdtl.2024.18","volume":"2","author":"S Pour","year":"2024","unstructured":"Pour, S. Experience of Legal Regulation of Lootboxes in Different Countries: a Comparative Analysis. J. Digit. Technol. Law. 2, 345\u2013371 (2024).","journal-title":"J. Digit. Technol. Law"},{"key":"46637_CR18","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"26","DOI":"10.1016\/j.addbeh.2019.04.009","volume":"96","author":"GA Brooks","year":"2019","unstructured":"Brooks, G. A. & Clark, L. Associations between loot box use, problematic gaming and gambling, and gambling-related cognitions. Addict. Behav. 96, 26\u201334 (2019).","journal-title":"Addict. Behav."},{"key":"46637_CR19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Cudo, A., Lelonek-Kuleta, B. & Bartczuk, R. P. Psychometric assessment and gender\/age invariance of the polish adaptation of the risky loot box index. Adv. Cogn. Psychol. 20, (2024).","DOI":"10.5709\/acp-0421-y"},{"key":"46637_CR20","first-page":"100453","volume":"16","author":"D Forsstr\u00f6m","year":"2022","unstructured":"Forsstr\u00f6m, D., Chahin, G., Savander, S., Mentzoni, R. A. & Gainsbury, S. Measuring loot box consumption and negative consequences: Psychometric investigation of a Swedish version of the Risky Loot Box Index. Addict. Behav. Rep. 16, 100453 (2022).","journal-title":"Addict. Behav. Rep."},{"key":"46637_CR21","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"106254","DOI":"10.1016\/j.addbeh.2019.106254","volume":"103","author":"S Kristiansen","year":"2020","unstructured":"Kristiansen, S. & Severin, M. C. Loot box engagement and problem gambling among adolescent gamers: Findings from a national survey. Addict. Behav. 103, 106254 (2020).","journal-title":"Addict. Behav."},{"key":"46637_CR22","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e0213194","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0213194","volume":"14","author":"D Zendle","year":"2019","unstructured":"Zendle, D. & Cairns, P. Loot boxes are again linked to problem gambling: Results of a replication study. PloS One. 14, e0213194 (2019).","journal-title":"PloS One"},{"key":"46637_CR23","first-page":"100516","volume":"18","author":"A Sirola","year":"2023","unstructured":"Sirola, A., Nyrhinen, J., Nuckols, J. & Wilska, T. A. Loot box purchasing and indebtedness: The role of psychosocial factors and problem gambling. Addict. Behav. Rep. 18, 100516 (2023).","journal-title":"Addict. Behav. Rep."},{"key":"46637_CR24","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"220111","DOI":"10.1098\/rsos.220111","volume":"9","author":"PJ Etchells","year":"2022","unstructured":"Etchells, P. J., Morgan, A. L. & Quintana, D. S. Loot box spending is associated with problem gambling but not mental wellbeing. R Soc. Open. Sci. 9, 220111 (2022).","journal-title":"R Soc. Open. Sci."},{"key":"46637_CR25","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e0230378","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0230378","volume":"15","author":"A Drummond","year":"2020","unstructured":"Drummond, A., Sauer, J. D., Ferguson, C. J. & Hall, L. C. The relationship between problem gambling, excessive gaming, psychological distress and spending on loot boxes in Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and the United States\u2014A cross-national survey. PLoS ONE. 15, e0230378 (2020).","journal-title":"PLOS ONE"},{"key":"46637_CR26","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Garea, S. S., Sauer, J. D., Hall, L. C., Williams, M. N. & Drummond, A. The potential relationship between loot box spending, problem gambling, and obsessive-compulsive gamers. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1556\/2006.2023.00038 (2023).","DOI":"10.1556\/2006.2023.00038"},{"key":"46637_CR27","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e0263177","DOI":"10.1371\/journal.pone.0263177","volume":"17","author":"I Montiel","year":"2022","unstructured":"Montiel, I., Basterra-Gonz\u00e1lez, A., Machimbarrena, J. M., Ortega-Bar\u00f3n, J. & Gonz\u00e1lez-Cabrera, J. Loot box engagement: A scoping review of primary studies on prevalence and association with problematic gaming and gambling. PLoS ONE. 17, e0263177 (2022).","journal-title":"PLoS ONE"},{"key":"46637_CR28","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"231046","DOI":"10.1098\/rsos.231046","volume":"11","author":"SG Spicer","year":"2024","unstructured":"Spicer, S. G. et al. Exploring the relationships between psychological variables and loot box engagement, part 2: exploratory analyses of complex relationships. R Soc. Open. Sci. 11, 231046 (2024).","journal-title":"R Soc. Open. Sci."},{"key":"46637_CR29","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"108579","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chb.2025.108579","volume":"166","author":"C Villalba-Garc\u00eda","year":"2025","unstructured":"Villalba-Garc\u00eda, C., Griffiths, M. D., Demetrovics, Z. & Czak\u00f3, A. The relationship between loot box buying, gambling, internet gaming, and mental health: Investigating the moderating effect of impulsivity, depression, anxiety, and stress. Comput. Hum. Behav. 166, 108579 (2025).","journal-title":"Comput. Hum. Behav."},{"key":"46637_CR30","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"231045","DOI":"10.1098\/rsos.231045","volume":"10","author":"J Close","year":"2023","unstructured":"Close, J. et al. Exploring the relationships between psychological variables and loot box engagement, part 1: pre-registered hypotheses. R Soc. Open. Sci. 10, 231045 (2023).","journal-title":"R Soc. Open. Sci."},{"key":"46637_CR31","unstructured":"Nguyen, A., Randau, D. & Mirgolozar, A. Loot Boxes: Gambling in Disguise? A Qualitative Study on the Motivations behind Purchasing Loot Boxes. (2018)."},{"key":"46637_CR32","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"859","DOI":"10.1007\/s10899-023-10275-2","volume":"40","author":"\u0141 Wieczorek","year":"2024","unstructured":"Wieczorek, \u0141., Bujalski, M. & D\u0105browska, K. I Can Tell You It\u2019s a Bit of a Gamble\u2019: A Qualitative Analysis of How People Who Engage in Gaming and Gambling Understand a Link Between These Two Behaviours. J. Gambl. Stud. 40, 859\u2013871 (2024).","journal-title":"J. Gambl. Stud."},{"key":"46637_CR33","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2103","DOI":"10.3390\/jcm10102103","volume":"10","author":"LL Nicklin","year":"2021","unstructured":"Nicklin, L. L. et al. It\u2019s the attraction of winning that draws you in\u2014A qualitative investigation of reasons and facilitators for videogame loot box engagement in UK gamers. J. Clin. Med. 10, 2103 (2021).","journal-title":"J. Clin. Med."},{"key":"46637_CR34","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1007\/s10899-022-10116-8","author":"E Puiras","year":"2022","unstructured":"Puiras, E., Oliver, C., Cummings, S., Sheinin, M. & Mazmanian, D. Motives to engage with or refrain from gambling and loot box content: an exploratory qualitative investigation. J. Gambl. Stud. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10899-022-10116-8 (2022).","journal-title":"J. Gambl. Stud."},{"key":"46637_CR35","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Gibson, E., Griffiths, M. D., Calado, F. & Harris, A. Videogame player experiences with micro-transactions: an interpretative phenomenological analysis. Comput. Hum. Behav. 145, (2023).","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chb.2023.107766"},{"key":"46637_CR36","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Sinha, R. Stress and substance use disorders: risk, relapse, and treatment outcomes. J. Clin. Invest. 134, (2024).","DOI":"10.1172\/JCI172883"},{"key":"46637_CR37","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"3113","DOI":"10.3390\/jcm12093113","volume":"12","author":"GY Wang","year":"2023","unstructured":"Wang, G. Y. & Simkute, D. Griskova-Bulanova, I. Neurobiological Link between Stress and Gaming: A Scoping Review. J. Clin. Med. 12, 3113 (2023).","journal-title":"J. Clin. Med."},{"key":"46637_CR38","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"126","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jcbs.2023.01.004","volume":"27","author":"K Neophytou","year":"2023","unstructured":"Neophytou, K., Theodorou, M., Artemi, T. F., Theodorou, C. & Panayiotou, G. Gambling to escape: A systematic review of the relationship between avoidant emotion regulation\/coping strategies and gambling severity. J. Context Behav. Sci. 27, 126\u2013142 (2023).","journal-title":"J. Context Behav. Sci."},{"key":"46637_CR39","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Canale, N. et al. The association between problematic online gaming and perceived stress: The moderating effect of psychological resilience. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1556\/2006.8.2019.01 (2019).","DOI":"10.1556\/2006.8.2019.01"},{"key":"46637_CR40","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"43","DOI":"10.1097\/CXA.0000000000000183","volume":"14","author":"J Slattery","year":"2023","unstructured":"Slattery, J., Romkey, I. & Yakovenko, I. Impulsivity and Video Game\u2013related Motives as Predictors of Video Game Loot Box Use. Can. J. Addict. 14, 43 (2023).","journal-title":"Can. J. Addict."},{"key":"46637_CR41","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"481","DOI":"10.1007\/s40429-021-00386-4","volume":"8","author":"K Yokomitsu","year":"2021","unstructured":"Yokomitsu, K., Irie, T., Shinkawa, H. & Tanaka, M. Characteristics of gamers who purchase loot box: A systematic literature review. Curr. Addict. Rep. 8, 481\u2013493 (2021).","journal-title":"Curr. Addict. Rep."},{"key":"46637_CR42","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"25","DOI":"10.5455\/PBS.20200915101516","volume":"11","author":"C Evren","year":"2021","unstructured":"Evren, C., Evren, B., Dalbudak, E., Topcu Bulut, M. & Kutlu, N. The Relationship of Loot Box Engagement to Gender, Severity of Disordered Gaming, Using MMORPGs, and Motives for Online Gaming. Psychiatry Behav. Sci. 11, 25 (2021).","journal-title":"Psychiatry Behav. Sci."},{"key":"46637_CR43","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"524","DOI":"10.1111\/sjop.12459","volume":"59","author":"JY Fam","year":"2018","unstructured":"Fam, J. Y. Prevalence of internet gaming disorder in adolescents: A meta-analysis across three decades. Scand. J. Psychol. 59, 524\u2013531 (2018).","journal-title":"Scand. J. Psychol."},{"key":"46637_CR44","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"25","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jpsychires.2022.06.057","volume":"153","author":"GH Dong","year":"2022","unstructured":"Dong, G. H. & Potenza, M. N. Considering gender differences in the study and treatment of internet gaming disorder. J. Psychiatr Res. 153, 25\u201329 (2022).","journal-title":"J. Psychiatr Res."},{"key":"46637_CR45","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"10438","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph191610438","volume":"19","author":"A Cudo","year":"2022","unstructured":"Cudo, A., Wojtasi\u0144ski, M., Tu\u017cnik, P., Fudali-Czy\u017c, A. & Griffiths, M. D. The relationship between depressive symptoms, loneliness, self-control, and gaming disorder among Polish male and female gamers: The indirect effects of gaming motives. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public. Health. 19, 10438 (2022).","journal-title":"Int. J. Environ. Res. Public. Health"},{"key":"46637_CR46","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"404","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph17020404","volume":"17","author":"B Lelonek-Kuleta","year":"2020","unstructured":"Lelonek-Kuleta, B., Bartczuk, R. P., Wiechetek, M., Chwaszcz, J. & Niewiadomska, I. The Prevalence of E-Gambling and of Problem E-Gambling in Poland. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public. Health. 17, 404 (2020).","journal-title":"Int. J. Environ. Res. Public. Health"},{"key":"46637_CR47","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"5180","DOI":"10.3390\/ijerph18105180","volume":"18","author":"J Choi","year":"2021","unstructured":"Choi, J. & Kim, K. The Relationship between Impulsiveness, Self-Esteem, Irrational Gambling Belief and Problem Gambling Moderating Effects of Gender. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public. Health. 18, 5180 (2021).","journal-title":"Int. J. Environ. Res. Public. Health"},{"key":"46637_CR48","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Cohen, J. Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences  https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4324\/9780203771587  (Routledge, 1988).","DOI":"10.4324\/9780203771587"},{"key":"46637_CR49","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Cohen, J., Cohen, P., West, S. G. & Aiken, L. S. Applied Multiple Regression\/Correlation Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4324\/9780203774441 (Routledge, 2003).","DOI":"10.4324\/9780203774441"},{"key":"46637_CR50","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"137","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chb.2014.12.006","volume":"45","author":"HM Pontes","year":"2015","unstructured":"Pontes, H. M., Griffiths, M. D. & Measuring DSM-5 internet gaming disorder: Development and validation of a short psychometric scale. Comput. Hum. Behav. 45, 137\u2013143 (2015).","journal-title":"Comput. Hum. Behav."},{"key":"46637_CR51","first-page":"176","volume":"8","author":"B Schivinski","year":"2018","unstructured":"Schivinski, B., Brzozowska-Wo\u015b, M., Buchanan, E. M., Griffiths, M. D. & Pontes, H. M. Psychometric assessment of the internet gaming disorder diagnostic criteria: An item response theory study. Addict. Behav. Rep. 8, 176\u2013184 (2018).","journal-title":"Addict. Behav. Rep."},{"key":"46637_CR52","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Qin, L. et al. Clarification of the cut-off score for nine-item internet gaming disorder scale\u2013short form (IGDS9-SF) in a Chinese context. Front.  Psychiatry 11, (2020).","DOI":"10.3389\/fpsyt.2020.00470"},{"key":"46637_CR53","unstructured":"Ferris, J. & Wynne, H. The Canadian Problem Gambling Index: Final Report. https:\/\/www.greo.ca\/Modules\/EvidenceCentre\/files\/Ferris%20et%20al(2001)The_Canadian_Problem_Gambling_Index.pdf (2001)."},{"key":"46637_CR54","first-page":"585","volume":"28","author":"\u0141 Wieczorek","year":"2021","unstructured":"Wieczorek, \u0141., Biechowska, D., D\u0105browska, K. & Sieros\u0142awski, J. Psychometric properties of the Polish version of two screening tests for gambling disorders: the Problem Gambling Severity Index and Lie\/Bet Questionnaire. Psychiatry Psychol. Law Interdiscip J. Aust N Z. Assoc. Psychiatry Psychol. Law. 28, 585\u2013598 (2021).","journal-title":"Psychiatry Psychol. Law Interdiscip J. Aust N Z. Assoc. Psychiatry Psychol. Law"},{"key":"46637_CR55","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"385","DOI":"10.2307\/2136404","volume":"24","author":"S Cohen","year":"1983","unstructured":"Cohen, S., Kamarck, T. & Mermelstein, R. A. Global Measure of Perceived Stress. J. Health Soc. Behav. 24, 385\u2013396 (1983).","journal-title":"J. Health Soc. Behav."},{"key":"46637_CR56","unstructured":"Juczy\u0144ski, Z. & Ogi\u0144ska-Bulik, N. Narz\u0119dzia pomiaru stresu i radzenia sobie ze stresem [Stress and coping measures] (Pracownia Test\u00f3w Psychologicznych Polskiego Towarzystwa Psychologicznego, 2009)."},{"key":"46637_CR57","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","unstructured":"Tang, W. Y., Reer, F. & Quandt, T. The interplay of gaming disorder, gaming motivations, and the dark triad. J. Behav. Addict. 1\u20136 https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1556\/2006.2020.00013 (2020).","DOI":"10.1556\/2006.2020.00013"},{"key":"46637_CR58","unstructured":"Schumann, C. & Schultheiss, D. \u2018Game over\u2019 durch fehlendes E-Warrior Talent? eine empirische Studie \u00fcber den Einfluss von Gaming-Skills auf die Nutzung unterschiedlicher Computerspielgenres. Individ.  Nutz Medien 157\u2013183 (2009)."},{"key":"46637_CR59","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2","DOI":"10.1037\/a0024338","volume":"141","author":"CO Fritz","year":"2012","unstructured":"Fritz, C. O., Morris, P. E. & Richler, J. J. Effect size estimates: Current use, calculations, and interpretation. J. Exp. Psychol. Gen. 141, 2\u201318 (2012).","journal-title":"J. Exp. Psychol. Gen."},{"key":"46637_CR60","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"350","DOI":"10.1111\/j.2517-6161.1969.tb00796.x","volume":"31","author":"JB Ramsey","year":"1969","unstructured":"Ramsey, J. B. Tests for Specification Errors in Classical Linear Least-Squares Regression Analysis. J. R Stat. Soc. Ser. B Methodol. 31, 350\u2013371 (1969).","journal-title":"J. R Stat. Soc. Ser. B Methodol."},{"key":"46637_CR61","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Nahhas, R. W. Introduction to Regression Methods for Public Health Using R (CRC, 2024).","DOI":"10.1201\/9781003263197"},{"key":"46637_CR62","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"483","DOI":"10.1080\/00273171.2010.483393","volume":"45","author":"G Shieh","year":"2010","unstructured":"Shieh, G. On the Misconception of Multicollinearity in Detection of Moderating Effects: Multicollinearity Is Not Always Detrimental. Multivar. Behav. Res. 45, 483\u2013507 (2010).","journal-title":"Multivar. Behav. Res."},{"key":"46637_CR63","first-page":"7","volume":"2","author":"A Zeileis","year":"2002","unstructured":"Zeileis, A. & Hothorn, T. Diagnostic Checking in Regression Relationships. R News. 2, 7\u201310 (2002).","journal-title":"R News"},{"key":"46637_CR64","unstructured":"Fox, J. & Weisberg, S. An R Companion to Applied Regression (SAGE, 2019)."},{"key":"46637_CR65","unstructured":"Blair, G. et al. estimatr: Fast Estimators for Design-Based Inference. R package version 1.0.4. (2025)."},{"key":"46637_CR66","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"e15287","DOI":"10.7717\/peerj.15287","volume":"11","author":"W DeCamp","year":"2023","unstructured":"DeCamp, W. & Daly, K. Loot box consumption by adolescents pre- and post- pandemic lockdown. PeerJ 11, e15287 (2023).","journal-title":"PeerJ"},{"key":"46637_CR67","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"2338","DOI":"10.1111\/add.15837","volume":"117","author":"J Close","year":"2022","unstructured":"Close, J., Spicer, S. G., Nicklin, L. L., Lloyd, J. & Lloyd, H. Loot box engagement: relationships with educational attainment, employment status and earnings in a cohort of 16 000 United Kingdom gamers. Addiction 117, 2338\u20132345 (2022).","journal-title":"Addiction"},{"key":"46637_CR68","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","DOI":"10.1007\/s10389-024-02355-3","author":"C Wilson","year":"2024","unstructured":"Wilson, C., Butler, N., Quigg, Z. & Sumnall, H. Associations between loot box purchasing and gambling behaviours, financial problems, and low mental wellbeing in a household sample from a British island, a cross-sectional study. J. Public. Health. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s10389-024-02355-3 (2024).","journal-title":"J. Public. Health"},{"key":"46637_CR69","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"101395","DOI":"10.1016\/j.techsoc.2020.101395","volume":"63","author":"M von Meduna","year":"2020","unstructured":"von Meduna, M., Steinmetz, F., Ante, L., Reynolds, J. & Fiedler, I. Loot boxes are gambling-like elements in video games with harmful potential: Results from a large-scale population survey. Technol. Soc. 63, 101395 (2020).","journal-title":"Technol. Soc."},{"key":"46637_CR70","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"652","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chb.2017.06.012","volume":"75","author":"S Laconi","year":"2017","unstructured":"Laconi, S., Pir\u00e8s, S. & Chabrol, H. Internet gaming disorder, motives, game genres and psychopathology. Comput. Hum. Behav. 75, 652\u2013659 (2017).","journal-title":"Comput. Hum. Behav."},{"key":"46637_CR71","unstructured":"Power of Play 2025 GLOBAL VIDEO GAMES REPORT. 1\u201363. https:\/\/videogamespoland.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Pop_2025_global.pdf (2025)."},{"key":"46637_CR72","unstructured":"Preferencje graczy w Polsce. kobiety wybieraj\u0105 logik\u0119, m\u0119\u017cczy\u017ani szybko\u015b\u0107 [Gamer preferences in Poland: women choose logic, men choose speed]. grudziadz365.pl https:\/\/grudziadz365.pl\/pl\/644_artykuly-sponsorowane\/90772_preferencje-graczy-w-polsce-kobiety-wybieraja-logike-mezczyzni-szybkosc.html."},{"key":"46637_CR73","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"730","DOI":"10.1037\/a0031892","volume":"27","author":"AS Goodie","year":"2013","unstructured":"Goodie, A. S. & Fortune, E. E. Measuring cognitive distortions in pathological gambling: Review and meta-analyses. Psychol. Addict. Behav. 27, 730\u2013743 (2013).","journal-title":"Psychol. Addict. Behav."},{"key":"46637_CR74","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"1","DOI":"10.1037\/cbs0000113","volume":"51","author":"CA Leonard","year":"2019","unstructured":"Leonard, C. A. & Williams, R. J. Fallacious Beliefs: Gambling Specific and Belief in the Paranormal. Can. J. Behav. Sci. 51, 1\u201311 (2019).","journal-title":"Can. J. Behav. Sci."},{"key":"46637_CR75","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Drummond, A. et al. Loot box spending is associated with greater distress when normalized to disposable income: a reanalysis and extension of Etchells and extension of Etchells et al. and Xiao et al. R. Soc. Open Sci. 12, 231264 (2025).","DOI":"10.1098\/rsos.231264"},{"key":"46637_CR76","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"100535","DOI":"10.1016\/j.chbr.2024.100535","volume":"16","author":"A Hartanto","year":"2024","unstructured":"Hartanto, A. & Kasturiratna, K. T. A. Longitudinal bidirectional relation between fear of missing out and risky loot box consumption: Evidence for FoMO-Driven loot boxes spiral hypothesis. Comput. Hum. Behav. Rep. 16, 100535 (2024).","journal-title":"Comput. Hum. Behav. Rep."},{"key":"46637_CR77","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"68","DOI":"10.1037\/0003-066X.55.1.68","volume":"55","author":"RM Ryan","year":"2000","unstructured":"Ryan, R. M. & Deci, E. L. Self-determination theory and the facilitation of intrinsic motivation, social development, and well-being. Am. Psychol. 55, 68\u201378 (2000).","journal-title":"Am. Psychol."},{"key":"46637_CR78","first-page":"100023","volume":"8","author":"JS Lemmens","year":"2022","unstructured":"Lemmens, J. S. Play or pay to win: Loot boxes and gaming disorder in FIFA ultimate team. Telemat Inf. Rep. 8, 100023 (2022).","journal-title":"Telemat Inf. Rep."},{"key":"46637_CR79","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"525","DOI":"10.1007\/s10899-016-9626-6","volume":"33","author":"HS Kim","year":"2017","unstructured":"Kim, H. S., Hollingshead, S. & Wohl, M. J. A. Who Spends Money to Play for Free? Identifying Who Makes Micro-transactions on Social Casino Games (and Why). J. Gambl. Stud. 33, 525\u2013538 (2017).","journal-title":"J. Gambl. Stud."},{"key":"46637_CR80","doi-asserted-by":"publisher","first-page":"16128","DOI":"10.1038\/s41598-022-20549-1","volume":"12","author":"A Drummond","year":"2022","unstructured":"Drummond, A., Hall, L. C. & Sauer, J. D. Surprisingly high prevalence rates of severe psychological distress among consumers who purchase loot boxes in video games. Sci. Rep. 12, 16128 (2022).","journal-title":"Sci. Rep."}],"container-title":["Scientific Reports"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-026-46637-0","content-type":"text\/html","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-026-46637-0.pdf","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"text-mining"},{"URL":"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-026-46637-0.pdf","content-type":"application\/pdf","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2026,5,20]],"date-time":"2026-05-20T00:48:54Z","timestamp":1779238134000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41598-026-46637-0"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,1]]},"references-count":80,"journal-issue":{"issue":"1","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,12]]}},"alternative-id":["46637"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1038\/s41598-026-46637-0","relation":{},"ISSN":["2045-2322"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2045-2322","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2026,4,1]]},"assertion":[{"value":"12 September 2025","order":1,"name":"received","label":"Received","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"26 March 2026","order":2,"name":"accepted","label":"Accepted","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"value":"1 April 2026","order":3,"name":"first_online","label":"First Online","group":{"name":"ArticleHistory","label":"Article History"}},{"order":1,"name":"Ethics","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Declarations"}},{"value":"The authors declare no competing interests.","order":2,"name":"Ethics","group":{"name":"EthicsHeading","label":"Competing interests"}}],"article-number":"15637"}}