Exploring the Profile of a Potential Problem Gambler
What kind of person is predisposed to problem gambling? Are you the kind of person that scientists expect to become a gambler? What are the known types of gamblers? What does Freud think about gamblers? How would you spot someone struggling with gambling issues? Let's consider and try to answer these questions right now.
Types of Gamblers
Ralph Greenson developed a simple typology of gamblers, namely: amateurs, professionals and neurotics. Amateurs treat the game as entertainment and professionals try to make money from it, whereas neurotics simply can't stop themselves from playing.
When neurotics start gambling, their feelings of anxiety and depression are temporarily alleviated, although this only further exacerbates their problematic behavior.
They are also referred to as “avoidant” because they gamble to escape unpleasant emotions and their personal issues. In contrast however, there are others known as “action gamblers”, driven by adrenaline, excitement and the desire to win, who are usually more educated, ambitious and successful.
That said, “action gamblers” will often fall into the “avoidants” group, as even a professional gambler can become a neurotic.
Once the gambler is ready to have a go, depending on their disposition and personal circumstances there are several directions which they may head in. They may either gravitate toward trouble-free regular gambling, or possibly get into problem or even pathological gambling, which is recognized as a disorder in the DSM-IV by the American Psychiatric Association. As mentioned earlier, it often depends on one's circumstances.
Problem Gambler VS Pathological Gambler: What’s The Difference?
Edmund Bergler even developed a list of problem gambling signs that can be used for self-assessment.
