Perceived stigma and self-stigma of problem gambling: Perspectives of people with gambling problems

Journal article


Hing, Nerilee, Nuske, Elaine, Gainsbury, Sally M. and Russell, Alex M. T.. (2016). Perceived stigma and self-stigma of problem gambling: Perspectives of people with gambling problems. International Gambling Studies. 16(1), pp. 31 - 48. https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2015.1092566
AuthorsHing, Nerilee, Nuske, Elaine, Gainsbury, Sally M. and Russell, Alex M. T.
Abstract

Minimal research has investigated the stigma associated with problem gambling, despite its major hindrance to help-seeking and recovery. This study explored perceived stigma and self-stigma to examine stigmatizing beliefs held, how they may be internalized, coping mechanisms, and effects on help-seeking. In-depth interviews with 44 people experiencing gambling problems were analysed using interpretive phenomenology. Results revealed an overwhelming perception that problem gambling attracts acute public stigma and is publicly viewed as caused by personal failings. Participants had serious concerns about being viewed as ‘a problem gambler’, fearing demeaning stereotypes, social rejection, hostile responses and devaluing behaviours. Many participants internalized perceived stigma as self-stigma, with deleterious reported effects on self-esteem, self-efficacy, perceived social worth, and mental and physical health. Deep shame was a near universal emotion and exacerbated by relapse. Secrecy was the main coping mechanism used, with perceived and self-stigma found to act as major barriers to disclosure and help-seeking. The findings can inform the development of a valid understanding and conceptualization of problem gambling stigma. This is a prerequisite for effective stigma-reduction strategies to reduce public stigma and discrimination, and to lower perceived and self-stigma and increase the use of treatment services and other interventions by people with gambling problems.

Keywordsproblem gambling; gambling disorder; help-seeking; coping; stereotypes
Year2016
JournalInternational Gambling Studies
Journal citation16 (1), pp. 31 - 48
PublisherRoutledge
ISSN1445-9795
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2015.1092566
Scopus EID2-s2.0-84946926394
Open accessOpen access
Page range31 - 48
Research GroupSchool of Allied Health
Publisher's version
Place of publicationUnited Kingdom
Permalink -

https://acuresearchbank.acu.edu.au/item/8qv2q/perceived-stigma-and-self-stigma-of-problem-gambling-perspectives-of-people-with-gambling-problems

  • 67
    total views
  • 152
    total downloads
  • 2
    views this month
  • 6
    downloads this month
These values are for the period from 19th October 2020, when this repository was created.

Export as

Related outputs

A review of research into problem gambling amongst Australian women
Hing, Nerilee, Nuske, Elaine and Breen, Helen. (2017). A review of research into problem gambling amongst Australian women. In In H. Bowden-Jones and F. Prever (Ed.). Gambling disorders in women: An international female perspective on treatment and research pp. 235 - 246 Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315627625-24
How does the stigma of problem gambling influence help-seeking, treatment and recovery? A view from the counselling sector
Hing, Nerilee, Nuske, Elaine, Gainsbury, Sally M., Russell, Alex M. T. and Breen, Helen. (2016). How does the stigma of problem gambling influence help-seeking, treatment and recovery? A view from the counselling sector. International Gambling Studies. 16(2), pp. 263 - 280. https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2016.1171888
The public stigma of problem gambling: Its nature and relative intensity compared to other health conditions
Hing, Nerilee, Russell, Alex M. T., Gainsbury, Sally M. and Nuske, Elaine. (2016). The public stigma of problem gambling: Its nature and relative intensity compared to other health conditions. Journal of Gambling Studies. 32(3), pp. 847 - 864. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-015-9580-8
Significant life events and social connectedness in Australian women's gambling experiences
Nuske, Elaine Mary, Holdsworth, Louise and Breen, Helen. (2016). Significant life events and social connectedness in Australian women's gambling experiences. Nordic Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. 33(1), pp. 7 - 25. https://doi.org/10.1515/nsad-2016-0002
What influences the types of help that problem gamblers choose? A preliminary grounded theory model
Hing, Nerilee, Nuske, Elaine, Tolchard, Barry and Russell, Alex M. T.. (2015). What influences the types of help that problem gamblers choose? A preliminary grounded theory model. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. 13(2), pp. 241 - 256. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-014-9525-y
Are there distinctive outcomes from self-exclusion? An exploratory study comparing gamblers who have self-excluded, received counselling, or both
Hing, Nerilee, Russell, Alex M. T., Tolchard, Barry and Nuske, Elaine. (2015). Are there distinctive outcomes from self-exclusion? An exploratory study comparing gamblers who have self-excluded, received counselling, or both. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. 13(4), pp. 481 - 496. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-015-9554-1
A grounded theory of the influence of significant life events, psychological co-morbidities and related social factors on gambling involvement
Holdsworth, Louise, Nuske, Elaine and Hing, Nerilee. (2015). A grounded theory of the influence of significant life events, psychological co-morbidities and related social factors on gambling involvement. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. 13(2), pp. 257 - 273. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-014-9527-9
A process evaluation of a self-exclusion program: A qualitative investigation from the perspective of excluders and non-excluders
Hing, Nerilee, Tolchard, Barry, Nuske, Elaine, Holdsworth, Louise and Tiyce, Margaret. (2014). A process evaluation of a self-exclusion program: A qualitative investigation from the perspective of excluders and non-excluders. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. 12(4), pp. 509 - 523. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-014-9482-5
All mixed up together: Women's experiences of problem gambling, comorbidity and co-occurring complex needs
Holdsworth, Louise, Nuske, Elaine and Breen, Helen. (2013). All mixed up together: Women's experiences of problem gambling, comorbidity and co-occurring complex needs. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. 11(3), pp. 315 - 328. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-012-9415-0
All in the family: Help-seeking by significant others of problem gamblers
Hing, Nerilee, Tiyce, Margaret, Holdsworth, Louise and Nuske, Elaine. (2013). All in the family: Help-seeking by significant others of problem gamblers. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. 11(3), pp. 396 - 408. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-012-9423-0
A narrative analysis of help-seeking behaviour and critical change points for recovering problem gamblers: The power of storytelling
Nuske, Elaine and Hing, Nerilee. (2013). A narrative analysis of help-seeking behaviour and critical change points for recovering problem gamblers: The power of storytelling. Australian Social Work. 66(1), pp. 39 - 55. https://doi.org/10.1080/0312407X.2012.715656