Abstract

The study compared clinical, psychopathological, and personality profiles between immigrants and Spanish native-born pathological gambling patients. A total of 1,601 native-born and 133 immigrant patients attending treatment at a specialized hospital unit were administered a battery of questionnaires during clinical assessment. Outcome measures were compared between both groups and the incremental predictive accuracy of the area of origin was examined using a regression model. Native-born Spaniards showed a mean 2.6 yr. greater duration of the disorder, while immigrants scored higher on South Oaks Gambling Screen, frequency of going to casinos, and total money spent (in a single day and/or to recover losses). General psychopathology and personality scores did not differ between the cohorts. However, immigration from Asia had a statistically significantly incremental validity for pathological gambling in South Oaks Gambling Screen scores. Both cohorts shared more similarities than differences in their gambling profiles.

Authors

Penelo E, Granero R, Fernández-Aranda F, Aymamí N, Gómez-Peña M, Moragas L, Santamaría JJ, Custal N, Menchón JM, Jiménez-Murcia S

Institution

Laboratori d'Estadística Aplicada, Departament de Psicobiologia i Metodologia de les Ciències de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain.

Source

Psychological reports 110:2 2012 Apr pg 555-70

MeSH

Adult
Ambulatory Care
Asia
Cognitive Therapy
Cross-Sectional Studies
Emigrants and Immigrants
Female
Gambling
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Psychopathology
Psychotherapy, Group
Questionnaires
Rehabilitation Centers
Spain
Treatment Outcome

Pub Type(s)

Comparative Study
Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22662410