Stress, Coping Style and Depression in Pathological Gamblers

Kim, Young Hoon; Choi, Sam Wook; Shin, Young Chul

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The present study aimed to improve understanding and treatment of pathological gambling by comparing levels of stress, coping styles, depression, 'Gambling attitudes and Beliefs' in pathological gamblers to groups of non-pathological gambling controls.
METHODS
Pathological gambling was measured by the South Oaks Gambling Scale, depression by the Beck Depression Inventory, stress by Daily Hassles Scales, attitude and belief about gambling by the Gambling Attitude and Belief Scale and coping styles by Problem-focused Styles of Coping Inventory.
RESULTS
Pathological gamblers reported significantly higher level of stress, depression, the Gambling Attitude and Belief, craving and more maladaptive styles of coping (reactive and suppressive) than control groups. Pathological gambler's use of maladaptive coping was disappeared when depression was controlled.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study suggest that pathological gambler's maladaptive styles of coping might close related to depression, and treatment which is designed to improve depression and their ability to engage in reflective coping when stressors arise will be helpful. Further longitudinal studies may clarify the ways in which pathological gambler's depression and coping styles interact over time.