The Psychodynamics and Psychology of Gambling is the first volume in the four-volume The Gambling Theory and Research Series. Author Mikal Aasved felt a need to fill what he perceived to be a lack of background sources or reviews of literature pertaining to gambling theory and research. This series will present major findings of leading researchers as they study the causes and effects of gambling, both recreational and excessive. This first entry in the series reviews the most influential psychodynamic and psychological theories that explain why people gamble. Psychoanalytical theorists discussed include Freud, Von Hattingberg, Fenichel, Bergler, Simmel, Greenson, Stekel, and others. Aasved includes sections on behavioral (learning or reinforcement theory) psychological approaches to gambling with discussion of Skinner's ideas and research findings as well as Pavlov's principles. This book begins with the question 'Why do people gamble?' and offers many theories proposed by clinicians, laboratory and field researchers, and participants as they seek to explain the motivation behind gambling. The differences between gambling as entertainment and gambling compulsion is a focus of much research. Aasved addresses ideas set forth as to why some people are able to control their gambling and others cannot, even when it means sacrificing their jobs, family, and material possessions. This text provides a comprehensive background into theories of addiction research as studied by leaders in the field.

Preface to the Series
Acknowledgments
INTRODUCTION TO THE SERIES
INTRODUCTION TO THIS VOLUME
PART I: PSYCHODYNAMIC APPROACHES The Role of Early Childhood Experiences
Chapter
1. PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORY: EARLY VIEWS
2. PSYCHOANALYTIC THEORY: LATER VIEWS
3. PERSONALITY THEORY
PART II: BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGY The Role of Rewards, Punishments, and Associational Learning
4. LEARNING OR REINFORCEMENT THEORY
5. NEED-STATES AND DRIVE-REDUCTION
PART III: COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGY The Role of Expectancy and Belief
6. IRRATIONAL THINKING
7. COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THEORISTS
8. CONCLUDING SUMMARY
Appendix A. Summary of Findings in Psychometric Research
Appendix B. Summary of Etiological Theories of Gambling
Notes
References
Index