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Abstract
In a cross-comparison study, the Cloninger's Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) personality profile was administered to 28 probable pathological gamblers (PPGs), 32 nonpathological gamblers (non-PGs), and 65 controls. As a screening device, the validated Italian version of the South Oak Gambling Screen was administered to all subjects. Novelty Seeking (NS) values were higher in PPGs in comparison with both non-PGs (p <. 05) and controls (p <. 001). PPGs showed lower Self-Directedness (SD) and Cooperativeness (CO) values with respect to both non-PGs (p <. 05 and p =. 001, respectively) and controls (p <. 001 and p =. 001, respectively). The subsamples of PPGs reporting either a current substance misuse condition or a parental involvement in gambling/substance misuse showed higher NS (p =. 01) and lower CO (p =. 005) values than the remaining PPGs. A duration of problem gambling in excess of 20 years was associated with lower (p =. 001) CO values. Specific temperamental (NS) and character (SD; CO) dimensions differentiated PPGs from both non-PGs and controls; assessment of personality profile with the TCI may identify at-risk social gamblers.