Alexithymia in young adulthood: a risk factor for pathological gambling

Background: Pathological gambling is more prevalent among postsecondary students than among the general adult population. While the prevalence of pathological gambling in this group has risen over the past decade, factors underlying the development of problem gambling among university students remain largely unexplored. One early study found alexithymia to be associated with pathological gambling. The aim of the present study was to further examine the relationship between alexithymia and gambling among postsecondary students. Methods: The relationship between alexithymia and pathological gambling was examined in 562 postsecondary students who completed the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) and the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). Results: Approximately 12% of the sample was classified as alexithymic according to the TAS-20. These individuals were found to have significantly more gambling problems, as measured by the SOGS, than nonalexithymic individuals. Approximately 9% of the sample was classified as pathological gamblers according to the SOGS. These individuals were found to have significantly higher levels of alexithymia, as measured by the TAS-20, than nonproblem gamblers. Conclusions: Alexithymia is associated with pathological gambling and may be a risk factor among postsecondary students for developing severe gambling problems.