Comparison between immigrant and Spanish native-born pathological gambling patients

Psychol Rep. 2012 Apr;110(2):555-70. doi: 10.2466/02.18.PR0.110.2.555-570.

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.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ambulatory Care
  • Asia / ethnology
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Emigrants and Immigrants / psychology*
  • Female
  • Gambling / ethnology*
  • Gambling / psychology
  • Gambling / rehabilitation
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychopathology
  • Psychotherapy, Group
  • Rehabilitation Centers
  • Spain
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome