![Sample our Health and Social Care journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5938/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Health-Social-Care.jpg"})
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to study the relationship between alexithymia and gambling in a community sample of pathological gamblers. Pathological, problem and non-problem gamblers were recruited from the community via advertisements and completed an assessment of their gambling behavior and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Alexithymia was higher among male pathological gamblers who identified slot machines, cards, and lotteries as their primary gambling problem. High alexithymics scored higher on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual symptoms related to poor self-regulation, communication, and problem-solving skills. Although a correlational study, the evidence suggests that further investigation of the clinical significance of alexithymia in individuals with severe gambling pathology is indicated.
The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect those of the Center for Addiction and Mental Health. This research was supported by a grant from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care.
Notes
a χ2 = 8.68 (df = 2), p < .05.
a t (141) = 2.21, p < .05.
b t (141) = 3.08, p < .005.
c t (39) = 2.42, p < .05.
d t (39) = 2.94, p < .01.
a Significant chi-square (p < .005).
b t (104) = −3.03, p < .005.
c t (76) = −0.39, not significant.