Different Subtypes of Pathological Gamblers: Empirical Findings from Outpatient Addiction Care Facilities

作者：Hayer Tobias^*; Brosowski Tim; Meyer Gerhard; Prkno Maria

来源：Suchttherapie, 2018, 19(1): 21-30.

DOI：10.1055/s-0043-108712

• gambling disorder
• subtypes
• pathways model
• clinical practice

Theoretical considerations and empirical findings suggest that pathological gamblers do not represent a homogeneous group. The pathways model distinguishes between 3 subgroups of pathological gamblers based on a wide range of biological, psychological and social variables that contribute to the development and maintenance of gambling-related problems. The main goal of the present study is to verify core assumptions of this taxonomy for the first time in a German-speaking country and to answer the secondary question whether a largely healthy (in terms of comorbidity) problem gambler-subtype indeed exists (by means of external norm values). In total, N = 146 clients from outpatient addiction care facilities served as the sample. Data collection with regard to psychosocial problems was carried out using standardized questionnaires. A cluster analytic approach confirms the presence of 3 distinct subtypes with differing degrees of pathology: While cluster 3 members are highly disturbed individuals, cluster 2 essentially reflects an emotionally vulnerable subtype. Individuals of cluster 1 show in fact the least psychosocial dysfunctions (compared to other subgroups) but also perform to some degree outside the norm range (compared to population data). Accordingly, a largely healthy (in terms of comorbidity) problem gambler-subtype cannot be identified. Further, the findings imply the necessity to provide interventions that are tailored to the special needs of the different subgroups.

• 出版日期2018-2