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Dissociative Experiences in Gambling Disorder

  • Dissociation and Addictive Behaviors (J Billieux and A Schimmenti, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review provides a summary of the literature (2012–2018) regarding dissociative experiences in Gambling Disorder (GD). We provide an overview of conceptualizations of dissociation, its relationship to GD, dissociation within specific types of gambling, and harm reduction strategies targeting gambling-related dissociative experiences.

Recent Findings

The gambling literature lacks a unified conceptualization of dissociative experiences, and measures different aspects of dissociation across studies. The propensity of some individuals toward general and in-game dissociation appears to be involved in the development and/or maintenance of GD. Several features of gambling may facilitate in-game dissociation, particularly among individuals with GD. As such, tools that disrupt in-game dissociation may be crucial for harm reduction.

Summary

Future research should be aimed at developing a single, operational definition of dissociation in gambling, and this should be systematically examined across gambling modalities. Additionally, ongoing refinement of interventions that effectively interrupt in-game dissociation holds promise for reducing gambling-associated harms.

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Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada

    Magdalen G. Schluter & David C. Hodgins

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  1. Magdalen G. Schluter
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Correspondence to Magdalen G. Schluter.

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Section Editors: J. Billieux and A. Schimmenti

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Dissociation and Addictive Behaviors

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Schluter, M.G., Hodgins, D.C. Dissociative Experiences in Gambling Disorder. Curr Addict Rep 6, 34–40 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-019-0238-y

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