Self-stigma coping and treatment-seeking in problem gambling

Abstract

Stigma has been explored as a cause of reduced and delayed treatment-seeking for problem gambling, a population in which only 1 in 10 seek treatment. The present study examined the effect of perceived public stigma and self-stigma on affect and behavioural coping efforts. Path analysis was used to examine self-stigma in 155 individuals with gambling problems. The majority of participants met criteria for a gambling disorder (93.5%), were current gamblers (69%) and had never sought treatment (54.2%). The data fit the proposed path model well; self-stigma was associated with reduced self-esteem and increased shame. Shame predicted use of secrecy and withdrawal coping. Endorsement of negative stereotypes of ‘problem gamblers’ was associated with decreased treatment-seeking while greater self-stigma predicted increased treatment-seeking. Additional predictors of increased treatment-seeking included greater gambling problem severity, more positive attitudes towards treatment, male sex and higher income. Self-stigma increased rather than decreased treatment-seeking in this analysis. Efforts to increase treatment-seeking could target women, those with lower income and those with less severe gambling problems.

Keywords::

• stigma
• self-stigma
• problem gambling
• treatment-seeking
• shame

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jenny D. Horch

Jenny D. Horch, PhD, is a clinical psychologist and past postdoctoral research fellow in the Addictive Behaviours Laboratory at the University of Calgary. Her research has focused on stigma, self-esteem and reduced treatment seeking in problem gambling and she has several publications in this area. She maintains a clinical position treating patients on the burn and trauma units at the Foothills Medical Center and a research associate position with a medical research team that aims to improve physical and psychological outcomes of skin grafts.

David C. Hodgins

David C. Hodgins, PhD, is a professor in the Program in Clinical Psychology in the Department of Psychology, University of Calgary. He is also the head of the Department of Psychology and a coordinator with the Alberta Gambling Research Institute. His research interests focus on various aspects of addictive behaviours including relapse and recovery from substance abuse and gambling disorders. He has conducted a number of randomized clinical trials of both brief and more traditional addiction treatment models. In 2010, he received the Scientific Achievement Award from the US National Center for Responsible Gaming.