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Journal of Gambling Studies
Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies 2/2007

01-06-2007 | Original Paper

Temperament and Character in Pathological Gambling

Authors: Conny Nordin, Per-Olof Nylander

Published in: Journal of Gambling Studies | Issue 2/2007

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Abstract

Objective

We have studied temperament and character in pathological gambling (PG).

Methods

Thirty-eight DSM-IV verified pathological gamblers (31 males and 7 females; mean age 35.4 ± 10.4 years) were tested with Cloninger’s Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Matched controls were chosen from the normal population.

Results

Pathological gamblers scored higher on the temperament factors novelty seeking (NS) and harm avoidance (HA). The most pronounced difference was found in the character factor self-directedness (SD). The pathological gamblers differed from controls in cooperativeness and self-transcendence. A personality disorder was found in 29% of the pathological gamblers 84% of whom scored either low on SD and high on impulsivity or had a more dishonest behaviour. Two-thirds of pathological gamblers showed immature character with or without high HA in temperament. The other third showed normal-character extravagant behaviour (86%), high impulsivity (36%) and less responsibility (50%) being the most common personality traits.

Conclusion

HA and NS might be trait-like characteristics in PG.
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Metadata
Title
Temperament and Character in Pathological Gambling
Authors
Conny Nordin
Per-Olof Nylander
Publication date
01-06-2007
Published in
Journal of Gambling Studies / Issue 2/2007
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3602
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-006-9049-x

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