Personality and clinical dimensions of pathological gamblers. A pilot study

Abstract

Gambling disorder is characterized by a persistent and recurrent maladaptive gambling behavior. In this paper, we analyzed the psychopathological dimensions of a group of gamblers and investigated the potential predictors of good/poor therapeutic outcomes. A total of 45 gamblers, between 23 and 69 years old (M = 45.73, SD = 10.93), were recruited in the following structures for the treatment of pathological gambling: the “Incontro” cooperative of Pistoia (Italy) and the “Orthos” community of Siena (Italy). We found significant correlations among SOGS, TAS-20/DIF, DES, and any clinical dimensions of MMPI-2. Nevertheless the several limits, the present study confirmed the impulsive nature of pathological gambling. Moreover, the results showed positive correlations among impulsivity, dissociation, and affect dysregulation (measured by the first factor of the TAS-20).