Document Type
Contribution to Book
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Impulsivity: The Behavioral and Neurological Science of Discounting
Publisher
American Psychological Association
Publication Date
2010
First Page
1
Last Page
34
Abstract
Pathological gambling is a disorder characterized by excessive gambling. It often occurs in conjunction with substance use disorders, and research is beginning to examine the association between these disorders, especially with regard to impulsivity and discounting. In this chapter, we initially review the diagnosis and prevalence rates of pathological gambling, including its comorbidity with substance use disorders. We then describe relations between personality measures of impulsivity and pathological gambling. Gamblers' patterns of choices on the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and measures of delay and probability discounting are covered in depth, and we discuss the degree to which these choices are uniquely associated with a gambling disorder rather than a comorbid substance use disorder. Recent theories regarding the role of discounting in the etiology of pathological gambling are described, as are suggestions for future research.
Recommended Citation
Petry, N. M., & Madden, G. J. (2010). Discounting and pathological gambling. In G. J., Madden, & W. K., Bickel (Eds.), Impulsivity: The Behavioral and Neurological Science of Discounting. (pp. 273-294). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Comments
Originally published by the American Psychological Association.