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Journal of Gambling Studies
Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies 2/2017

01-06-2017 | Original Paper

Alterations in the Emotional Regulation Process in Gambling Addiction: The Role of Anger and Alexithymia

Authors: Giuseppe Maniaci, Francesca Picone, Ruth J. van Holst, Corinna Bolloni, Silvana Scardina, Carla Cannizzaro

Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies | Issue 2/2017

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Abstract

This study aims at the assessment of alexithymia and anger levels in 100 treatment-seeking pathological gamblers compared with controls, who were matched for age, gender and education. Furthermore a positive correlation between alexithymia, anger and severity of gambling disorder and a relationship between gambling behaviour and anger after controlling for alexithymia, are investigated. Finally the role that gender plays in anger in pathological gamblers was also evaluated. Psychological assessment includes the South Oaks Gambling Screen, State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory-2 and the twenty-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Statistical analysis of the results shows a higher level of anger in pathological gamblers than in controls, together with alterations in emotional processing. Severity of gambling behaviour positively correlates with alexithymia scores, state-anger and trait-anger. Moreover, a significant contribution of anger in predicting gambling behaviour was suggested after controlling for alexithymia. In conclusion, anger and alexithymia must be regarded as relevant components of the assessment of pathological gamblers, in order to select the best therapeutical strategies to prevent self-defeating behaviours and to reduce drop-out from treatments.
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Metadata
Title
Alterations in the Emotional Regulation Process in Gambling Addiction: The Role of Anger and Alexithymia
Authors
Giuseppe Maniaci
Francesca Picone
Ruth J. van Holst
Corinna Bolloni
Silvana Scardina
Carla Cannizzaro
Publication date
01-06-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Gambling Studies / Issue 2/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3602
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-016-9636-4

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