Personality Theory Personality theory suggests that people’s attitudes and general behaviors are shaped by their individual personalities. Two streams of thought with respect two how we develop our personality. Predominantly formed through genetics Predominantly formed through environment / early childhood experiences

Setting Origins Aside Despite the pathway by which one’s personality is formed, having such a personality “predisposes the individual to behave in a certain way.” Thus, personality theory has had it hands in the explanation of addictions as far back as the 1940’s. Here, the exhibiting addictive behavior was thought to be inherent to a specific personality disorder, which distinguished the addict from the normal citizen.

Addiction Isn’t the Problem it’s the Personality Problem gambling or pathological gambling then is just a symptom of a more enduring personality problem. The gambling personality, supposedly highlights these characteristics and more: Flashy Manipulative Grandiose Overconfident Impatient Competitive Energetic Success Driven Resourceful Anti-social Aggressive Shallow Immature Impulsive

Search for an Identifying Trait Unfortunately, empirical literature suggests that personality theory and it’s relation to gambling has been unsupported. Meanwhile, their exists a consistent stream of research that continues to try to nail down a specific personality which reflects the problem/pathological gambler. To date, research has yet to find such a personality, two predominant reasons for this are: Infancy of gambling research (empirically driven) Sampling bias

Trait Constellations Since a single personality trait has not been found that predisposes one to gamble, researchers and clinicians have gone about to demarcate personality constellations. The more common trait constellations put forth have been: Sociopathic personality / anti social type Paranoid personality type with depressive traits Anxiety ridden with depressive traits Depressive Psychopathic Deviant Chronic Depressed with Traumatic Background Situationally depressed periodic alcohol abuser Success driven volatile narcissist

Trait Constellations – Not Supported Despite the myriad of trait constellations, researchers have been unsuccessful in their attempts to isolate a personality trait or constellation of traits that may be responsible for gambling pathology, let alone any addictive behavior. However, it is generally agreed amongst clinicians and gambling researchers, that personality does play a role in the development and progression of gambling addiction. But such a constellation, interaction, and subsequent behavior is different for different games, thus it appears that their exists subtypes of problem / pathological gamblers.

Behavioral Psychology & Gambling Learning theory and behavioral psychology, locates behavior outside of the individual, but always within his or her immediate environment. They are not concerned with the unconscious, but exploring the motivations behind gambling (that can be observed). Key to their claims is that the social gambler is essentially no different the pathological gambler. Except for the fact the heavy gambler has learned to gamble heavily and will suffer more consequences because of this.

Learning Theory and Schedules of Reinforcement In explaining gambling behavior, learning theory/behaviorism rests on another key principle(s), schedules of reinforcement. Thus, the gambler is conditioned to play because of reward and punishment. Reward = win/near win, punishment = loss.