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Journal of Gambling Studies
Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies 4/2017

01-12-2017 | Original Paper

Adaptive and Maladaptive Coping Strategies in Adult Pathological Gamblers and Their Mediating Role with Anxious-Depressive Symptomatology

Authors: Paula Jauregui, Jaione Onaindia, Ana Estévez

Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies | Issue 4/2017

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Abstract

Coping plays a central role in the appearance and persistence of pathological gambling. Anxious and depressive symptomatology also influence pathological gambling and are related to coping. This study aimed to analyze pathological gamblers’ coping strategies and styles, as well as associated anxious and depressive symptomatology. The study sample included 167 male pathological gamblers (mean age = 39.29 years) and 107 non-gamblers (mean age = 33.43 years). Measures of gambling, coping, and anxious and depressive symptomatology were used. Results showed that pathological gamblers’ scored higher in all the maladaptive coping strategies, problem- and emotion-focused disengagement, and disengagement subscales. These subscales also correlated with pathological gambling, and anxious and depressive symptomatology. Pathological gamblers also scored higher in emotional expression and emotion-focused engagement, with no differences in the rest of the adaptive coping strategies. Coping was also found to predict pathological gambling and anxious and depressive symptomatology. It was found that coping mediated the relationship between pathological gambling and anxious symptomatology when controlling for the effect of age. Specifically, social withdrawal and disengagement stood out as mediators. These results provide practical information for use in clinical settings with people diagnosed with pathological gambling.
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Metadata
Title
Adaptive and Maladaptive Coping Strategies in Adult Pathological Gamblers and Their Mediating Role with Anxious-Depressive Symptomatology
Authors
Paula Jauregui
Jaione Onaindia
Ana Estévez
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Gambling Studies / Issue 4/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3602
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-017-9675-5

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