Predictors of Gambling Severity Among Female Gamblers: Cross-Country Study with Spanish and Italian Clinical Population.

Abstract

A large body of research has evidenced different risk factors associated with the severity of gambling. However, most of the research has been conducted with a male population, and consequently it has been inferred that the female population presents the same experiences and characteristics. Research on female gamblers is limited, with the result that their gambling-related problems are not effectively addressed. In light of this, the study aims were two-fold: (1) to identify differences between Spanish and Italian women seeking treatment for a gambling disorder, and (2) to examine variables associated with gambling severity in a clinical sample of women. For this study, a total of 106 women gamblers (M_age = 48.83; SD = 12.41) completed the assessment, evaluating gambling behavior, alexithymia, hopelessness, and mental health (depression, anxiety, and hostility). Results indicated that Spanish and Italian women showed differences in sociodemographic, psychological, and gambling-related variables. Furthermore, exhibiting higher levels of depressive symptoms, and experiencing difficulties in identifying emotions were related to the increased gambling severity. Also, received the Italian intervention was related to lower gambling severity. These findings emphasize the need to provide evidence-based treatments, as well as to improve existing treatments and develop prevention and intervention strategies adapted to the characteristics of female gamblers.