The personality of pathological gamblers: a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Psychopathology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Pathological gambling is a complex disorder with debated etiological factors.
• Personality traits are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to gambling disorder.
• Previous research has explored links between impulsivity, personality, and pathological gambling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze studies on personality traits in pathological gamblers.
• To examine the association between specific impulsivity facets and pathological gambling.
• To investigate the relationship between broad personality domains and pathological gambling.

Main Methods:

• Conducted meta-analyses on 44 studies involving 2134 pathological gamblers and 5321 controls.
• Calculated effect sizes for 128 comparisons across various personality measures.
• Organized findings according to established integrative models of personality and impulsivity.

Main Results:

• Significant associations found for Negative Urgency (d =.99) and Low Premeditation (d =.84).
• Substantial effects observed for Unconscientious Disinhibition (d =.79), Negative Affect (d =.50), and Disagreeable Disinhibition (d =.50).
• No significant effects for Low Perseverance or Positive Affect.

Conclusions:

• Specific personality characteristics, including high Negative Urgency and Unconscientious Disinhibition, are strongly implicated in the etiology of pathological gambling.
• The personality profile of pathological gamblers resembles that of substance use disorders, suggesting a link to externalizing psychopathology.
• Current classification of pathological gambling as an Impulse Control Disorder in the DSM-IV may need reevaluation.