Pathological Gamblers are Neither Impulsive Nor Sensation—Seekers

1988 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 307-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clive C. Allcock ◽  
David M. Grace
Keyword(s):  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Patient Group ◽  
Impulse Control ◽  
Sensation Seeking ◽  
The Other ◽  
Drug Addicts ◽  
Heroin Addicts ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Sensation Seeking Scale

Ten pathological gamblers, ten alcoholics, ten heroin addicts and twenty five non-patients were compared using Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS) and Barratt's Impulsivity Scale (BIS). The pathological gamblers did not differ from the non-patient group on either measure. Drug addicts scored significantly higher and alcoholics significantly lower than the pathological gamblers and the non-patient group on the SSS, while drug addicts scored significantly higher than the other groups on the BIS. The difficulties in defining impulsivity are discussed. It is suggested that the classification of pathological gambling as a disorder of impulse control should be reconsidered.

Assessment of Pathological Gamblers Who Use Slot Machines

2003 ◽  
Vol 93 (3) ◽  
pp. 707-716 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. González-Ibáñez ◽  
M. N. Aymamí ◽  
S. Jiménez ◽  
J. M. Domenech ◽  
R. Granero ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Sensation Seeking ◽  
Interpersonal Sensitivity ◽  
The Other ◽  
Slot Machines ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Sociodemographic Variables ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Phobic Anxiety ◽  
Cluster 2

The aim of the present study was to classify pathological gamblers based on their psychopathology as related to the variable sensation-seeking, and to check possible differences between the groups on the sociodemographic variables. The sample was composed of 110 male pathological gamblers using slot machines who requested treatment at the Pathological Gambling Unit at the Ciutat Sanitària i Universitària de Bellvitge. It was observed that pathological gamblers comprise three clusters, differentiated with differing severity depression, psychoticism, somatization, impulsiveness, interpersonal sensitivity, and phobic anxiety. Cluster 1, representing 46.7% of the sample, showed mean scores higher than or equal to T = 63. On the subscales of Depression, Psychoticism, Interpersonal Sensidvity, Phobic Anxiety, and Obsessiveness–Compulsiveness the score was close to T = 63 (the clinical cut-off score). Cluster 2, representing 23.8% of the sample, scored higher than Cluster 1 on the following subscales: Depression, Phobic Anxiety, Interpersonal Sensitivity, Psychoticism, Obsessive–Compulsive, and Somatization. On Cluster 3 highest mean scores were observed on all SCL-90-R dimensions relative to the other two groups. What distinguished these subgroups is not symptomatology but the severity of the psychopathology. On the other hand, sensation seeking was similar for the three clusters, and the slight differences depended on the subjects' psychopathology.

Attentional bias in pathological gambling. A review

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 120-120
Author(s):  
E.J.V. Vizcaino ◽  
M.M. Mayor ◽  
I.M. Gras ◽  
G.P. Alfaro ◽  
G.R. Valladolid
Keyword(s):  
Substance Use ◽  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Attentional Bias ◽  
Impulse Control ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Cognitive Dimension ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Modified Stroop ◽  
Emotional Dimension ◽  
Dsm Iv

RationalePathological gambling (PG) is a relatively prevalent psychiatric disorder, which is included in the category of Impulse Control Disorders of the DSM-IV TR. It's prevalence is 1%. Dopamine is the main neurotransmitter involved in it. Attentional bias (AB) is a phenomenon whereby attentional channelling is directed toward personally valued stimuli, despite an individual's efforts to ignore them. AB have been previously described in several Substance Use Disorders (SUD) such as alcoholism and cocaine use disorders.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to investigate the current evidence of the presence of AB associated to PG.MethodsWe performed a systematic search in PubMed (1980-Present) to identify publications that examined the existence of AB in PG.ResultsTo date, two studies have found the existence of an AB in pathological gamblers. Both studies have been performed using a modified Stroop procedure, and report that gamblers show an automatic interference when naming the color of gambling-related words.ConclusionsPG could be conceptualized as an addictive behavior and we can hypothesize a link between addiction and automaticity. There is a relationship between AB (cognitive dimension) and subjective craving (emotional dimension), so that high levels of craving can be both, a cause of, and a consequence of, an elevation of AB of gambling-related cues. Even so, there is little research in this field to date. Further studies are warranted using new paradigms for the assessment of AB in PG.

scholarly journals The Strelau Temperament Inventory—Revised (STI‐R): Validity studies

1991 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 287-308 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willibald Ruch ◽  
Alois Angleitner ◽  
Jan Strelau
Keyword(s):  
Impulse Control ◽  
Sensation Seeking ◽  
Eysenck Personality Questionnaire ◽  
Affect Intensity ◽  
Five Factors ◽  
Content Scales ◽  
Validity Studies ◽  
Strength Of Excitation ◽  
Sensation Seeking Scale ◽  
The Relationship

This study examines the construct validity of the revised version of the Strelau Temperament Inventory (STI‐R) and the short scale (STI‐RS), which were introduced by Strelau, Angleitner, Bantelmann and Ruch (1990). Hypotheses about the relationship between the content scales of the STI‐R, viz. Strength of Excitation (SE), Strength of Inhibition (SI), and Mobility (MO) of CNS properties, and (a) other personality/temperament dimensions referring to the level of arousal, (b) selected temperament inventories, and (c) selected personality scales are derived and tested in a total of four samples with altogether 420 Ss. The inventories investigated include, among others, the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire—Revised (EPQ‐R), Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS), the I.7 Impulsiveness Questionnaire (I.7), the Affect‐Intensity‐Measure (AIM), the EASI, the Structure of Temperament Questionnaire (STQ), and the Revised Dimensions of Temperament Survey (DOTS‐R). In general, the hypotheses regarding the place of the STI‐R in the temperament and personality domain were confirmed. A factor analysis of the STI‐R, EASI, and DOTS‐R yielded five factors: Emotional Stability, Rhythmicity, Activity/Tempo, Sociability, and Impulsivity versus Impulse Control.

Comparison of Imaginal Desensitisation with other Behavioural Treatments of Pathological Gambling a Two- to Nine-Year Follow-up

1991 ◽  
Vol 159 (3) ◽  
pp. 390-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathaniel McConaghy ◽  
Alexander Blaszczynski ◽  
Anna Frankova
Keyword(s):  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Specific Effect ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Effective Therapy ◽  
The Other ◽  
Pathological Gamblers

Of 120 pathological gamblers randomly allocated to imaginal desensitisation (ID) or to other behavioural procedures (60 to each group, all procedures administered over one week) 63 subjects were contacted two to nine years later. Twenty-six of the 33 who received ID reported control or cessation of gambling compared with 16 of 30 who received other behavioural procedures. This difference was significant, indicating ID had a specific effect additional to that of the other behavioural procedures. It is suggested the other procedures could be regarded as placebos. As the response at a mean of over five years to one week of ID is comparable with that reported to more intensive therapies, after briefer follow-up, it is suggested ID is a cost-effective therapy for pathological gambling, and is worth considering when resources are limited.

A Preliminary Investigation of Sensation-Seeking and Risk-Based Recreation among College Students: Implications for Intramural and Outdoor Programs

2009 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-118 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erik Rabinowitz ◽  
Eric D. Frauman
Keyword(s):  
College Students ◽  
Sensation Seeking ◽  
Preliminary Investigation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Outdoor Programs ◽  
Sensation Seeking Scale

The primary purpose of this study was to examine sensation seeking tendencies and preference for risk-based recreational pursuits among college students who participated in intramural or outdoor programs, as well as students who had not participated in either. Also examined was expressed preference for one type of programming versus the other. The Sensation Seeking Scale Form V (Zuckerman, 1994) and Risk-Based Recreational Desires and Participation Scale were administered to students. Students who participated in outdoor programs (OP) scored higher on sensation seeking exhibiting greater tendencies (e.g., thrill and adventure seeking) than intramural program (IP) participants or nonparticipants (NP). The same was true for students who preferred outdoor versus intramural programming. Males who preferred OP versus IP scored higher on sensation seeking while this was not observed among females. OP participants engaged in more risk-based recreational pursuits than IP or NP, although over half of IP and NP expressed desire to participate in many of the pursuits not already engaged in by a majority. Implications for IP and OP development and marketing toward college students are discussed.

scholarly journals A neurocognitive comparison of cognitive flexibility and response inhibition in gamblers with varying degrees of clinical severity

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (10) ◽  
pp. 2111-2119 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. L. Odlaug ◽  
S. R. Chamberlain ◽  
S. W. Kim ◽  
L. R. N. Schreiber ◽  
J. E. Grant
Keyword(s):  
At Risk ◽  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Cognitive Flexibility ◽  
Response Inhibition ◽  
Impulse Control ◽  
Community Sample ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Substance Addiction ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Axis I

BackgroundAs a behavioral addiction with clinical and phenomenological similarities to substance addiction, recreational and pathological gambling represent models for studying the neurobiology of addiction, without the confounding deleterious brain effects which may occur from chronic substance abuse.MethodA community sample of individuals aged 18–65 years who gamble was solicited through newspaper advertising. Subjects were grouped a priori into three groups (no-risk, at-risk, and pathological gamblers) based on a diagnostic interview. All subjects underwent a psychiatric clinical interview and neurocognitive tests assessing motor impulsivity and cognitive flexibility. Subjects with a current axis I disorder, history of brain injury/trauma, or implementation or dose changes of psychoactive medication within 6 weeks of study enrollment were excluded.ResultsA total of 135 no-risk, 69 at-risk and 46 pathological gambling subjects were assessed. Pathological gamblers were significantly older, and exhibited significant deficiencies in motor impulse control (stop-signal reaction times), response speed (median ‘go’ trial response latency) and cognitive flexibility [total intra-dimensional/extra-dimensional (IDED) errors] versus controls. The finding of impaired impulse control and cognitive flexibility was robust in an age-matched subgroup analysis of pathological gamblers. The no-risk and at-risk gambling groups did not significantly differ from each other on task performance.ConclusionsImpaired response inhibition and cognitive flexibility exist in people with pathological gambling compared with no-risk and at-risk gamblers. The early identification of such illness in adolescence or young adulthood may aid in the prevention of addiction onset of such disabling disorders.

Sensation Seeking in a French Population of Pathological Gamblers: Comparison with Regular and Nongamblers

2004 ◽  
Vol 94 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1361-1371 ◽  
Author(s):  
Céline Bonnaire ◽  
Michel Lejoyeux ◽  
Roland Dardennes
Keyword(s):  
General Population ◽  
Sensation Seeking ◽  
Control Group ◽  
French Population ◽  
Multiple Forms ◽  
Pathological Gamblers ◽  
Sensation Seeking Scale

To test the hypothesis that pathological gamblers in the French general population who play games available in cafés score lower on sensation seeking than regular and nongamblers, the Zuckerman's Sensation Seeking Scale was administered to 57 diagnosed pathological gamblers, 40 regular gamblers, and a control group of 97 nongamblers. Whereas pathological gamblers did not obtain a significantly lower Sensation Seeking mean than the regular and nongamblers groups, analysis indicated that those pathological gamblers seek different and multiple forms of games to reduce boredom, but they do not necessarily seek excitement-generating activities. One possible interpretation is that the types of games investigated in this study are “passive” forms of games that required low involvement from the gamblers.

Chinese male addicts' drug craving and their global and contingent self-esteem

2013 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 907-919 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Chen ◽  
Jun Ye ◽  
Hui Zhou
Keyword(s):  
South China ◽  
Sensation Seeking ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Drug Addicts ◽  
Rehabilitation Center ◽  
Behavior Support ◽  
Drug Craving ◽  
Sensation Seeking Scale ◽  
Chinese Male

In this study we investigated the relationships among Chinese male addicts' drug craving and their global and contingent self-esteem. Drug addicts (N = 195) at a compulsory rehabilitation center in Zhuhai, South China, completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Self-Esteem Contingent Scale, Sensation Seeking Scale V, and a scale of drug craving for addicts who have withdrawn physically from the drug, but who have not received any behavior support or counseling. The results indicated that male drug addicts' global self-esteem correlated negatively with drug craving whereas their contingent self-esteem correlated positively with drug craving. After controlling for other variables, drug craving was still significantly predicted by global self-esteem and contingent self-esteem. Those addicts with low global and high contingent self-esteem recorded the highest scores for level of drug craving, and those with high global but low contingent self-esteem had the lowest scores.

Classification of Pathological Gambling as an Impulse Control Disorder

2001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark W. Langewisch ◽  
G. Ron Frisch
Keyword(s):  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Treatment Outcome ◽  
Pathological Gambling ◽  
Classification System ◽  
Impulse Control ◽  
Impulse Control Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Classification ◽  
Current Classification

The purpose of this paper is to examine the appropriateness of the current classification of pathological gambling as an Impulse Control Disorder. Controversy over the current categorization is as heated as it has ever been with more research suggesting that gambling is in fact not strictly an impulse-driven behaviour. Research also shows that pathological gambling is similar in presentation and treatment outcome to other addictive behaviours such as alcohol and substance abuse. Given such findings, it is arguable that pathological gambling needs to be re-examined in terms of where it fits into a psychiatric classification system.

Analysis of Three Stimulation-Seeking Scales

1967 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 853-856 ◽  
Author(s):  
James E. McCarroll ◽  
Kevin M. Mitchell ◽  
Ronda J. Carpenter ◽  
J. P. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Sensation Seeking ◽  
Normative Data ◽  
Psychology Students ◽  
The Other ◽  
General Psychology ◽  
Freshman Students ◽  
Sensation Seeking Scale

3 measures of stimulation seeking were administered to 128 pre-freshman students and 97 general psychology students. Normative data were provided and compared with previous data. Significantly higher means and correlations among scales were obtained for the general psychology students than for the pre-freshman students. It is possible that the Sensation-seeking Scale (SSS) tends to measure more variable characteristics than SVS or CSI. However, it is equally possible that these differences may be due to lack of reliability of the SSS or the insensitivity of the other two to change. Which of the possibilities may be or is the case is not evident from these data.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document