The Memphis Gambling Screen: A Clinical Validation Study of an Enhanced-Readability Self-Report Measure for Gambling Disorder

Abstract

Precise identification of gambling disorder can be difficult when commonly used screeners vary in clarity and diagnostic accuracy. The Memphis Gambling Screen (MGS) was developed as an enhanced-readability self-report measure to improve item comprehension and strengthen the diagnostic accuracy of DSM-5 gambling disorder. This study evaluates the psychometric properties and diagnostic accuracy of the MGS with a combined sample of individuals seeking treatment for problem gambling or substance use disorder and college students with a recent history of gambling (N = 232). Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the MGS, and another commonly used measure, the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). A self-selected subset of participants (n = 19) also completed the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Gambling Disorder (SCID-GD). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the hypothesized single-factor structure of the MGS, exhibiting excellent model fit (CFI = 1.000; TLI = 1.000, RMSEA < .001, SRMR = .021) and strong internal consistency (α = .92). Results supported convergent validity with strong associations between MGS and PGSI scores (r = .92, p < .001) and significant proportional classification agreement between the MGS and SCID-GD severity categories. Educational attainment did not have a significant effect on the relation between the MGS and PGSI. ROC analyses demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy when the MGS was compared to the SCID-GD (AUC = .957), with a sensitivity of .80 and specificity of .86 for the DSM-5 diagnostic threshold for gambling disorder. Overall, these results provide strong support for the MGS as a psychometrically sound and diagnostically accurate self-report measure for gambling disorder. The enhanced readability of the MGS could improve earlier identification of individuals with gambling disorder and improve access to treatment for problem gambling.