Psychological experience of gambling and subtypes of pathological gamblers

Psychiatry Res. 2006 Sep 30;144(1):17-27. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2005.08.017. Epub 2006 Aug 21.

Abstract

Clinical experience and some empirical data suggest that different subtypes of gamblers may exist. This study examined psychometric properties of the Gambling Experience Measure (GEM) to establish support for differing subtypes of gamblers. In total, 149 treatment-seeking pathological gamblers completed the GEM and other instruments. A principal component analysis produced a three-factor solution that included gambling as a way to escape negative emotions (Escape), dissociating (Dissociation), and narcissism/seeking attention (Egotism). Multiple regression analyses revealed that being female and general dissociation was associated with Escape gambling. General dissociation was also related to the Dissociation factor. Male gender and impulsivity were associated with the Egotism factor. These data offer preliminary evidence of the validity and reliability of the GEM in distinguishing subgroups of gamblers.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Defense Mechanisms
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / classification
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / diagnosis
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / psychology*
  • Dissociative Disorders / classification
  • Dissociative Disorders / psychology
  • Female
  • Gambling / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Individuality*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motivation
  • Personality Inventory / statistics & numerical data
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Psychometrics
  • Psychotherapy
  • Psychotherapy, Group
  • Statistics as Topic