Client and clinician-rated characteristics of problem gamblers with and without history of gambling-related illegal behaviors

Jennifer D. Ellis, Jamey J. Lister, Cara A. Struble, Molly Cairncross, Meagan M. Carr, David M. Ledgerwood

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Individuals with gambling disorder are at an elevated risk for engaging in gambling-related illegal behaviors. The present study examined client (N = 88) and clinician ratings (N = 30) of client characteristics associated with a history of gambling-related illegal behaviors. We also examined client characteristics associated with history of arrest for a gambling-related crime. Gambling-related illegal behaviors and arrest were common (57.3% and 23.9%, respectively) in the present sample. Clients of younger age, and those with greater gambling-related financial consequences, lifetime alcohol problems, impulsivity, mood symptoms, and daily living role difficulties were more likely to report gambling-related illegal behaviors. Clients who had been arrested for a gambling-related crime were more likely to report daily living and role functioning difficulties and lifetime alcohol problems. Clinicians rated clients with a history of gambling-related illegal behaviors and/or gambling-related arrests as more impulsive, and clinicians also endorsed higher rates of treatment failure among these clients. Both client and clinician report suggested that clients with a history of illegal behaviors may have a variety of comorbid problems that may be a focus of clinical intervention.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-6
Number of pages6
JournalAddictive Behaviors
Volume84
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2018
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Toxicology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

Keywords

  • Clinician report
  • Gambling-related arrest
  • Gambling-related illegal behaviors

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