This study represents the first phenomenological investigation of problem gambling. The subjective experiences of six problem gamblers are explored. Heideggerian, hermeneutic phenomenology provides the constructs and framework that underpin this research. Four themes, each reflecting the participants' experiences, emerged from conversations conducted. These themes were: being alone, buying time, magical thinking and critical voices - themes are independent and have no ranking. The study articulates the needs of problem gamblers, as well as providing an opportunity for them to be heard. It allows health professionals to gain insight into underlying problems. The implications of the findings for the participants, health professionals and government are discussed / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Institute for Clinical Social Work (Chicago), 1998. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 1999. / Chair: Russell Hurlburt. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.S.W.)--University of Hong Kong, 2006.

Thesis (M. Journ.)--University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 44-46).

The goal of the current research design was to determine whether childhood maltreatment is a significant risk factor in the development of gambling problems. Moreover, the aim was to address the cumulative effects of risk factors by assessing a broader range of adversities from a developmental psychopathology perspective. This study included 1,324 young adults (42.8% males; 57.2% females) attending college, with ages ranging from 17 to 22 years. Participants completed self-report measures on gambling and substance use problems, childhood maltreatment, psychological symptomology, stress, and resilience. Approximately 36.5% of the sample met criteria for a substance use disorder, 4.0% reported problems with gambling and substance use, and 2.1% were problem gamblers. Problem gamblers and individuals with substance related problems reported the overall highest levels of childhood maltreatment, psychological symptomology, stress, and lowest levels of resilience. Gender (being male), high stress, and childhood maltreatment accurately predicted gambling group membership (76.7%). Importance of childhood maltreatment as a risk factor in conjunction with other variables supported the hypothesis regarding the cumulative effects of adversity and was well able to predict future outcomes at 82%. No single risk factor differentiated between the problem gamblers from the problem substance users. The results of this study highlight the substantial interrelation between childhood abuse and other negative circumstances that increase the risk for general addiction group and problem gambling group membership. This study underscores the importance of routine assessment for childhood trauma in individuals presenting for gambling and substance use treatment and provides an important facet toward our understanding of problem gambling.

The current study empirically examined the relations between several risk and protective variables associated with adolescent gambling. More specifically, the relations among self-reported familial, emotional, social, and behavioral variables and youth gambling problems were investigated. The current study also sought to identify risk factors that may be related to youth problem gambling. Participants consisted of 2,336 students in grades 7 to 13 (ages 12 to 19) recruited from various elementary and high schools in the Province of Ontario. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding gambling activities (GAQ), gambling severity (DSM-IV-MR-J), perceived social support (PSS Friend and Family), drug and alcohol dependence (PESQ), and various social, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and attentional problems (CASS:L). With respect to gambling severity as assessed by the DSM-IV-MR-J gambling screen, 4.9% of adolescents were found to be probable pathological gamblers, and 8.0% at-risk gamblers. The results identified a multitude of problems experienced by problem gamblers. These risk factors for problem gambling include academic difficulties, poor perceived familial and peer social support, cognitive problems, emotional problems, substance use problems, conduct problems, family problems, parental involvement in gambling and substances, and ADHD and related symptoms, particularly inattention. The magnitude of problems and psychopathology that are reported by probable pathological gamblers and at-risk problem gamblers demonstrates that these individuals are experiencing difficulties and are likely using their gambling to escape their problems. The current study also enabled the identification of a set of predictor variables which lead to problem gambling, including having family problems, conduct problems, being addicted to drugs or alcohol, and being male. These findings are interpreted with respect to their implications for the development of risk reduction prevent

Thesis (MPsych(Clin))--University of South Australia, 1998

Thesis (Psy.D.)--Alliant International University, Fresno, 2006. / Adviser: Ronald Gandolfo. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--McGill University (Canada), 2005. / Includes bibliographical references.