Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Utah, 1997. / Includes bibliographical references.

This study explores clients’ perceptions of women-only group counselling for problem gambling. The clients surveyed participated in a women-only treatment group through the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Commission (AADAC). The group was a pilot project for AADAC, in that it was the first gambling treatment group for women only; previously, only mixed (male and female) groups had been run. Therefore, this is the first known group of its kind to be conducted in Alberta or Western Canada. A qualitative, thematic analysis using the constant comparison method was conducted using in-depth interviews with a focus group of five women. Themes emerged from this analysis, providing insights into counselling practices for women problem gamblers. The results demonstrated that the women who participated in the group found women-only groups to be helpful. Additionally, the participants reported that, if they had to participate in group treatment for problem gambling, they would prefer women-only treatment in the future. Therefore, further research and exploration of women-only treatment are recommended in order to improve problem gambling treatment for women. / ix, 89 leaves ; 29 cm. --

This study examines the relationship between parenting styles, family environment, and gambling behavior among 1,203 CEGEP students in the greater Montreal area. Participants reported on their past year gambling behavior and their perceptions of their family environment. Their perceptions of their parents' pattern of parenting were also reported, and are identified based upon Buri's (1991) and Baumrind's (1971) authoritarian, authoritative/flexible, and permissive parenting styles. Results showed that parenting styles indirectly influence problem gambling behavior via family environment. Poor family environments, characterized by high levels of conflict and low levels of cohesion, were found to significantly increase the likelihood of gambling problems among youth. Results of this study serve as a basis for future studies to investigate the complex dynamics at play between familial influences and youth gambling behavior.

Lai Hiu Wai. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 62-72). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / List of Figures --- p.i / List of Tables --- p.ii / Chapter Chapter 1: --- Introduction to the Study --- p.1 / Introduction --- p.1 / Profiles of Attendees in Support Groups --- p.5 / Investigating Drop-out and Attendance in Support Groups --- p.6 / Psychological and Relational Factors affecting Relapse and Gambling Behaviors --- p.7 / Motivation to Change --- p.7 / Cognitive evaluation of change --- p.9 / Emotional Effect of the Rock-bottom Experience --- p.9 / Relationship Influence --- p.10 / Religious Coping --- p.12 / Chapter Chapter 2: --- Method --- p.14 / Participants --- p.14 / Demographics --- p.14 / Type of Gambling Activity --- p.15 / General Overview --- p.17 / Phase One --- p.18 / Demographics --- p.18 / Other Background Information --- p.18 / Gambling Behaviors --- p.18 / "Qualitative Session: ""Rock-bottom"" Experience" --- p.19 / Motivation to change --- p.19 / Pros and Cons of Changing --- p.20 / Negative Emotional Arousal --- p.20 / Emotional Social Support --- p.20 / Enabler and Helper Scale --- p.21 / "Religious, Spiritual, and Philosophical Beliefs" --- p.21 / Religious Observance --- p.22 / Higher Power Control --- p.23 / Phase Two --- p.23 / Participants --- p.23 / Self-stigma --- p.24 / Gambling Behaviors --- p.24 / Dropping Out Behaviors --- p.25 / Chapter Chapter 3: --- Results --- p.26 / Rock-bottom Experience --- p.26 / The Profile --- p.30 / Rock-bottom Typology --- p.34 / Correlations with Rock-bottom Experience --- p.35 / Those Staying Longer in the Support Group --- p.39 / "Descriptives about Gambling Outcome, Attendance and Drop Out" --- p.46 / Concept of What Gambling Activities to Quit --- p.47 / Predicting Relapse and Gambling Expenditures --- p.47 / Predicting Attendance and Drop Out --- p.49 / Role of Self-stigma --- p.49 / Chapter Chapter 4: --- Discussion --- p.51 / Insights about the Gender Imbalance --- p.51 / Importance of Social Influence for Chinese Gamblers --- p.53 / The Chinese Gamblers' Rock-bottom Experience --- p.54 / Insights from Attendance and Drop-outs --- p.55 / Protective and Hindering Individual Factors in Successful Control of Gambling --- p.57 / Self-stigmatization --- p.58 / Hurdles and Future Directions in Gambling Research --- p.59 / References --- p.62 / Appendix --- p.73

Thesis (M.Ed.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland (Canada), 2000. / Adviser: Norm Garlie. Includes bibliographical references.

This study examined the relationship between anxiety, social stress, and gambling behavior among 1,044 high school students from grades 7 to 11. Adolescents completed questionnaires concerning their state, trait, and generalized anxiety, social stress, and gambling behavior. Results reveal that probable pathological gamblers report more state anxiety, trait anxiety, and social stress compared to non-gamblers, gamblers with no/minimal problems, and problem gamblers. Gamblers with the highest levels of state and trait anxiety engaged in more severe gambling behaviors, substance abuse, reported different reasons for gambling, and endorsed more dissociation items compared to gamblers whose anxiety and social stress levels were in the average or low range. Results of this study provide added support for Jacob's General Theory of Addictions.

Youth problem gambling has become an important social policy issue. Approximately 80% of adolescents report having gambled, while 4--7% of adolescents develop serious gambling problems and another 10--15% remain at-risk for a gambling problem. Revenues in the gambling industry have grown 400% in the past 10 years, partially attributable to a marked increase in gambling advertisements. The objectives of this study are to examine general themes found in gambling advertisements, to determine the characteristics (situational and structural) of advertisements that have an effect on youth, and to determine the extent to which adolescents are influenced by these advertisements. Results from the focus groups suggest that aesthetic characteristics (bright colors, flashing lights) associated with gambling advertisements are influential in capturing and maintaining adolescent's attention and increasing their desire to gamble. Youth also appear to be drawn to advertisements typifying young, happy adults enjoying themselves, engaging in a pleasurable activity with the potential for winning money. Further analyses suggest a number of developmental and gender trends. The results are discussed with respect to the initiation and maintenance of youth gambling behaviours, as well as implications for prevention and future research.

Thesis (M.P.H.)--Southern Connecticut State University, 2006. / Page(s) missing in number only; text follows. Page(s) were scanned as received. Adviser: Sandra Bulmer. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Melbourne, Dept. of Psychiatry, 2000. / Typescript (photocopy). Author's name on spine: G. Coman. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 247-271).

Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)--University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Also available in print.