Psychological experience of gambling and subtypes of pathological gamblers.
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.
Ledgerwood
David M
DM
Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Ave., Farmington, CT 06030-3944, United States. ledgerwood@psychiatry.uchc.edu
Petry
Nancy M
NM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D004213:Dissociative Disorders / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007206:Individuality; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D011594:Psychometrics; D011613:Psychotherapy; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D013223:Statistics as Topic