Abstract

This study was performed to estimate prevalence and to explore psychosocial characteristics of pathological gamblers in two communities. Participants were 449 in Gyeongnam and 474 in Daejon(total cases:923). DSM-IV and GA diagnostic criterion was used to estimate pathological gamblers. We measured psychosocial characteristics such as self esteem, initiative life attitude, gambling activities, attitude toward gambling, gambling habit, gambling intent, gambling accessibility (availability), motives to gamble, depression, smoking and alcohol consumption. The results were as followed; There was no a significant difference between two communities in pathological gambling prevalence(DSM-IV lifetime prevalence, Gyeongnam-3.34%, Daijon-2.53%). As compared with non gamblers and non addictive gamblers, addictive gamblers had positive attitudes toward gambling and high level of gambling habit and intent. And they gambled to earn money, release tension, make friends and enjoy excitement and had high level of gambling accessibility. They were more depressed and had smoke and drink more heavily. However they were low in self esteem and initiative life attitude. Finally there were suggestions to development of pathological gambling prevention and treatment program.