2022
Lind, Kalle
Problem gambling and criminal behavior: Perspectives on comorbidities and social Disadvantage Väitöskirja
Sosiologia, Tampereen yliopisto, 2022, ISBN: 978-952-03-2559-6.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Avainsanat: criminal behavior, englanninkieliset väitöskirjat, gambling, problem gambling, social disadvantage
@phdthesis{Lind2022,
title = {Problem gambling and criminal behavior: Perspectives on comorbidities and social Disadvantage},
author = {Kalle Lind},
url = {https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-03-2559-6},
isbn = {978-952-03-2559-6},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
school = {Sosiologia, Tampereen yliopisto},
abstract = {While gambling is a harmless and popular pastime for most people, as a habitual activity it also has the potential to cause harm to the gamblers themselves and their affected others. These gambling harms are not static but vary in terms of intensity and duration. Such negative consequences can affect several different life-domains, and they may include financial problems, emotional distress, disrupted relationships, cultural harms, intergenerational harms, decrements in health, reduced performance at work or studies, or criminal behavior. Comorbidity between problem gambling, mental health problems, and other addictions as well as the connection between problem gambling and social disadvantage on various measures have been confirmed by previous studies. Problem gambling has been recognized as a criminogenic factor, and it is highly prevalent among incarcerated populations. Criminogenic problem gambling refers to a situation where problem gambling and the related financial distress escalate to criminal behavior, typically to income-generating crime such as fraud and embezzlement. Criminal harm has been suggested to be a late-stage gambling harm, which occurs together with long-standing and untreated problem gambling as gamblers run out of legal financial options. Furthermore, previous studies indicate that a more general association also exists between problem gambling and non-gambling related crime in a population level.
Not only is the gambling participation rate very high in Finland, but gambling has also had an exceptional position in Finland’s culture, society, and everyday life for decades. At the same time, 2.5% of gamblers are estimated to account for 50% of the total gambling expenditure. The latest population survey indicates that the prevalence of problem gambling is about 3% of the population. The core regulative framework, the recently reformed Lotteries Act, underscores minimization and prevention of gambling-related economic, health-related, and social harms, including criminal activity. In this context, this dissertation addresses the connection between problem gambling and criminal behavior through 1) data derived from documents produced by the police on 55 problem gambling-related cases, 2) screening data (N = 1,573) from a national problem gambling support program, 3) pilot survey data (n = 96) collected at two Finnish prisons, and 4) gambling-related population survey data (n = 7,186) combined with register-based variables on convictions and social disadvantage. Through qualitative document analysis this study explores patterns and mechanisms of problem gambling-related crime reported to the police. Logistic regression is utilized to find predictors of problem gambling-related stealing and cheating among help-seeking problem gamblers. Furthermore, this study explores the prevalence of probable problem gambling (measured using the Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen), the need for support, and support preferences in prison environment. Finally, logistic regression models were run to explore the general association between problem gambling severity, socioeconomic disadvantage, and having a conviction.
Most of the problem gambling-related cases found from the police information system were nonviolent property crimes that were committed at home or at the workplace. In most cases the events were preceded by severe financial problems, the emergence of suitable opportunities to commit a crime and coexisting issues of life-control, such as depression, relationship problems, and substance use. The criminal incidents were classified in three categories: identity theft, unauthorized access, and violent outburst. The crime aftermath consisted of the psychologically distressing process of hiding the trails and revival through getting caught. Reportedly, the main motivation for the crimes was to continue gambling, chase losses, or hide the extent of the individual’s problem gambling from their affected others.
Consistent with previous literature, the results reveal that among help-seeking problem gamblers, being young and having low income and low education predicted gambling-related stealing and cheating. Furthermore, as expected, a long duration of gambling problems also predicted cheating and stealing. Depressive symptoms and having a negative perception on one’s financial situation were also associated to problem gambling-related stealing or cheating. Gender, starting age of gambling, and comorbid substance use were not found to be statistically significant predictors of criminogenic problem gambling. Overall, 37.6% of the screened attendees reported having cheated or stolen to fund their gambling.
According to this study, the prevalence of probable problem gambling is relatively high among prisoners. Past-year pre-conviction prevalence of probable problem gambling was about 16% and past-year prevalence was 15%. One-third of the survey respondents who were sentenced for a property crime, financial crime, or robbery were probable problem gamblers. A majority of the participants who reported that their main crime was gambling-related scored as probable problem gamblers. Of all the respondents, one in four reported an interest in receiving problem gambling-related support. Group support was the most preferred type of support, followed by a personal conversation with a prison staff.
Of the Gambling Harms Survey respondents, 2.1% had been convicted of at least one crime during the past five years and had received a prison sentence, community service, or probation order. Criminal convictions were more common among respondents with problem or pathological gambling (8.8%) compared to at-risk gambling respondents (3.5%), to recreational gamblers (2.0%), and to non-gamblers (1.2%). However, in the models with gender, receiving basic social assistance and education included the gambling variables did not remain statistically significant. The findings suggest that especially receiving basic social assistance is strongly associated with both gambling severity and having a conviction.
The results of the study are further discussed with the pathways model by Blaszczynski and Nower, as well as with mainstream theories of criminology, especially with the general strain theory by Agnew and the routine activities theory by Felson. This study concludes that crime prevention requires early interventions for the financial chaos produced or worsened by problem gambling. A comprehensive selection of support for a variety of problems other than personal financial difficulties is needed to minimize the risk of problem gambling-related criminal activity. In addition, the study implies that social policy, ethically sustainable gambling policy, and criminal policy should be closely intertwined in the spirit of welfare state’s mission to reduce and to prevent social exclusion and social disadvantage.},
keywords = {criminal behavior, englanninkieliset väitöskirjat, gambling, problem gambling, social disadvantage},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {phdthesis}
}
While gambling is a harmless and popular pastime for most people, as a habitual activity it also has the potential to cause harm to the gamblers themselves and their affected others. These gambling harms are not static but vary in terms of intensity and duration. Such negative consequences can affect several different life-domains, and they may include financial problems, emotional distress, disrupted relationships, cultural harms, intergenerational harms, decrements in health, reduced performance at work or studies, or criminal behavior. Comorbidity between problem gambling, mental health problems, and other addictions as well as the connection between problem gambling and social disadvantage on various measures have been confirmed by previous studies. Problem gambling has been recognized as a criminogenic factor, and it is highly prevalent among incarcerated populations. Criminogenic problem gambling refers to a situation where problem gambling and the related financial distress escalate to criminal behavior, typically to income-generating crime such as fraud and embezzlement. Criminal harm has been suggested to be a late-stage gambling harm, which occurs together with long-standing and untreated problem gambling as gamblers run out of legal financial options. Furthermore, previous studies indicate that a more general association also exists between problem gambling and non-gambling related crime in a population level.
Not only is the gambling participation rate very high in Finland, but gambling has also had an exceptional position in Finland’s culture, society, and everyday life for decades. At the same time, 2.5% of gamblers are estimated to account for 50% of the total gambling expenditure. The latest population survey indicates that the prevalence of problem gambling is about 3% of the population. The core regulative framework, the recently reformed Lotteries Act, underscores minimization and prevention of gambling-related economic, health-related, and social harms, including criminal activity. In this context, this dissertation addresses the connection between problem gambling and criminal behavior through 1) data derived from documents produced by the police on 55 problem gambling-related cases, 2) screening data (N = 1,573) from a national problem gambling support program, 3) pilot survey data (n = 96) collected at two Finnish prisons, and 4) gambling-related population survey data (n = 7,186) combined with register-based variables on convictions and social disadvantage. Through qualitative document analysis this study explores patterns and mechanisms of problem gambling-related crime reported to the police. Logistic regression is utilized to find predictors of problem gambling-related stealing and cheating among help-seeking problem gamblers. Furthermore, this study explores the prevalence of probable problem gambling (measured using the Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen), the need for support, and support preferences in prison environment. Finally, logistic regression models were run to explore the general association between problem gambling severity, socioeconomic disadvantage, and having a conviction.
Most of the problem gambling-related cases found from the police information system were nonviolent property crimes that were committed at home or at the workplace. In most cases the events were preceded by severe financial problems, the emergence of suitable opportunities to commit a crime and coexisting issues of life-control, such as depression, relationship problems, and substance use. The criminal incidents were classified in three categories: identity theft, unauthorized access, and violent outburst. The crime aftermath consisted of the psychologically distressing process of hiding the trails and revival through getting caught. Reportedly, the main motivation for the crimes was to continue gambling, chase losses, or hide the extent of the individual’s problem gambling from their affected others.
Consistent with previous literature, the results reveal that among help-seeking problem gamblers, being young and having low income and low education predicted gambling-related stealing and cheating. Furthermore, as expected, a long duration of gambling problems also predicted cheating and stealing. Depressive symptoms and having a negative perception on one’s financial situation were also associated to problem gambling-related stealing or cheating. Gender, starting age of gambling, and comorbid substance use were not found to be statistically significant predictors of criminogenic problem gambling. Overall, 37.6% of the screened attendees reported having cheated or stolen to fund their gambling.
According to this study, the prevalence of probable problem gambling is relatively high among prisoners. Past-year pre-conviction prevalence of probable problem gambling was about 16% and past-year prevalence was 15%. One-third of the survey respondents who were sentenced for a property crime, financial crime, or robbery were probable problem gamblers. A majority of the participants who reported that their main crime was gambling-related scored as probable problem gamblers. Of all the respondents, one in four reported an interest in receiving problem gambling-related support. Group support was the most preferred type of support, followed by a personal conversation with a prison staff.
Of the Gambling Harms Survey respondents, 2.1% had been convicted of at least one crime during the past five years and had received a prison sentence, community service, or probation order. Criminal convictions were more common among respondents with problem or pathological gambling (8.8%) compared to at-risk gambling respondents (3.5%), to recreational gamblers (2.0%), and to non-gamblers (1.2%). However, in the models with gender, receiving basic social assistance and education included the gambling variables did not remain statistically significant. The findings suggest that especially receiving basic social assistance is strongly associated with both gambling severity and having a conviction.
The results of the study are further discussed with the pathways model by Blaszczynski and Nower, as well as with mainstream theories of criminology, especially with the general strain theory by Agnew and the routine activities theory by Felson. This study concludes that crime prevention requires early interventions for the financial chaos produced or worsened by problem gambling. A comprehensive selection of support for a variety of problems other than personal financial difficulties is needed to minimize the risk of problem gambling-related criminal activity. In addition, the study implies that social policy, ethically sustainable gambling policy, and criminal policy should be closely intertwined in the spirit of welfare state’s mission to reduce and to prevent social exclusion and social disadvantage.
Not only is the gambling participation rate very high in Finland, but gambling has also had an exceptional position in Finland’s culture, society, and everyday life for decades. At the same time, 2.5% of gamblers are estimated to account for 50% of the total gambling expenditure. The latest population survey indicates that the prevalence of problem gambling is about 3% of the population. The core regulative framework, the recently reformed Lotteries Act, underscores minimization and prevention of gambling-related economic, health-related, and social harms, including criminal activity. In this context, this dissertation addresses the connection between problem gambling and criminal behavior through 1) data derived from documents produced by the police on 55 problem gambling-related cases, 2) screening data (N = 1,573) from a national problem gambling support program, 3) pilot survey data (n = 96) collected at two Finnish prisons, and 4) gambling-related population survey data (n = 7,186) combined with register-based variables on convictions and social disadvantage. Through qualitative document analysis this study explores patterns and mechanisms of problem gambling-related crime reported to the police. Logistic regression is utilized to find predictors of problem gambling-related stealing and cheating among help-seeking problem gamblers. Furthermore, this study explores the prevalence of probable problem gambling (measured using the Brief Biosocial Gambling Screen), the need for support, and support preferences in prison environment. Finally, logistic regression models were run to explore the general association between problem gambling severity, socioeconomic disadvantage, and having a conviction.
Most of the problem gambling-related cases found from the police information system were nonviolent property crimes that were committed at home or at the workplace. In most cases the events were preceded by severe financial problems, the emergence of suitable opportunities to commit a crime and coexisting issues of life-control, such as depression, relationship problems, and substance use. The criminal incidents were classified in three categories: identity theft, unauthorized access, and violent outburst. The crime aftermath consisted of the psychologically distressing process of hiding the trails and revival through getting caught. Reportedly, the main motivation for the crimes was to continue gambling, chase losses, or hide the extent of the individual’s problem gambling from their affected others.
Consistent with previous literature, the results reveal that among help-seeking problem gamblers, being young and having low income and low education predicted gambling-related stealing and cheating. Furthermore, as expected, a long duration of gambling problems also predicted cheating and stealing. Depressive symptoms and having a negative perception on one’s financial situation were also associated to problem gambling-related stealing or cheating. Gender, starting age of gambling, and comorbid substance use were not found to be statistically significant predictors of criminogenic problem gambling. Overall, 37.6% of the screened attendees reported having cheated or stolen to fund their gambling.
According to this study, the prevalence of probable problem gambling is relatively high among prisoners. Past-year pre-conviction prevalence of probable problem gambling was about 16% and past-year prevalence was 15%. One-third of the survey respondents who were sentenced for a property crime, financial crime, or robbery were probable problem gamblers. A majority of the participants who reported that their main crime was gambling-related scored as probable problem gamblers. Of all the respondents, one in four reported an interest in receiving problem gambling-related support. Group support was the most preferred type of support, followed by a personal conversation with a prison staff.
Of the Gambling Harms Survey respondents, 2.1% had been convicted of at least one crime during the past five years and had received a prison sentence, community service, or probation order. Criminal convictions were more common among respondents with problem or pathological gambling (8.8%) compared to at-risk gambling respondents (3.5%), to recreational gamblers (2.0%), and to non-gamblers (1.2%). However, in the models with gender, receiving basic social assistance and education included the gambling variables did not remain statistically significant. The findings suggest that especially receiving basic social assistance is strongly associated with both gambling severity and having a conviction.
The results of the study are further discussed with the pathways model by Blaszczynski and Nower, as well as with mainstream theories of criminology, especially with the general strain theory by Agnew and the routine activities theory by Felson. This study concludes that crime prevention requires early interventions for the financial chaos produced or worsened by problem gambling. A comprehensive selection of support for a variety of problems other than personal financial difficulties is needed to minimize the risk of problem gambling-related criminal activity. In addition, the study implies that social policy, ethically sustainable gambling policy, and criminal policy should be closely intertwined in the spirit of welfare state’s mission to reduce and to prevent social exclusion and social disadvantage.
2020
Nordmyr, Johanna
Problem gambling in a Nordic context: Moving from social factors to a psychosocial perspective Väitöskirja
Hoitotiede, Åbo Akademi, 2020, ISBN: 978-952-12-3970-0.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Avainsanat: caring science, englanninkieliset väitöskirjat, Finland, gambling, health sciences, Nordic, population-based association study, problem gambling, psychosocial risk and support factors, systematic review
@phdthesis{Nordmyr2020,
title = {Problem gambling in a Nordic context: Moving from social factors to a psychosocial perspective},
author = {Johanna Nordmyr},
url = {https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-12-3970-0},
isbn = {978-952-12-3970-0},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
school = {Hoitotiede, Åbo Akademi},
abstract = {Aims In the growing field of research on gambling and problem gambling various focal points for prevention efforts are determined. The aim of this thesis is to identify and synthesise the evidence concerning social risk factors in relation to gambling and problem gambling in a Finnish and Nordic context, with a special emphasis on the less studied psychosocial factors. Further, it aims to present an overview of the state-of-the-art of Nordic gambling research.
Methods Studies I-II utilized cross-sectional population survey data from the 2011 Western Finland Mental Health Survey (n = 4624, response rate 46.2%), with logistic regression analyses (Odds Ratios, 95% confidence intervals) performed in both studies. Systematic mapping review technique was applied in Study III, encompassing searches in 21 bibliographical e-databases and Google Scholar, covering Nordic gambling-themed articles published between 2000 and 2015. Systematic screening and coding of select variables was performed in line with a specified study protocol. In Study IV, publications from international scientific journals included in Study III were manually screened to identify studies focusing on psychosocial aspects. Search updates for the time period 2016-2019 were also undertaken. Study screening was performed in line with predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and key information coded.
Results In Study I, gambling form (online and mixed-mode gambling) as well as psychological distress increased the risk of reporting problem gambling among male past-year gamblers. The socio-demographic variables language and age group were also associated with problem gambling among men. Among female past-year gamblers, gambling form (mixed mode gambling) and reporting problematic alcohol use were associated with experienced problem gambling. In Study II, identical psychosocial factors ̶ higher levels of experienced loneliness and lower levels of experienced trust in people in one’s neighbourhood ̶ were associated with both problem gambling and problematic alcohol use. No structural aspects of social networks were significantly associated with problem gambling. Study III encompassed 382 relevant publications, with 310 of these identified in international and national scientific databases. The majority of the identified studies had first authors with Finnish, Norwegian or Swedish affiliations. The majority of Nordic gambling studies represented prevalence research (38.8%), focusing on gambling activities or problem gambling and various associated factors.
Correspondingly, the majority of the studies (39.7%) analyzed population samples/cohorts or other cross-sectional samples, with many of the studies also applying review approaches or presenting case studies (for example the gambling regulation system of a country). The scientific disciplines most frequently represented were social sciences (including media and humanities) and public health sciences. Study IV included 21 original gambling studies applying statistical or interview/narrative methods, with loneliness and social support being the most frequently featured psychosocial phenomena, evidencing mixed results in relation to gambling and problem gambling.
Conclusions In this thesis, psychosocial phenomena are identified as relevant factors to consider in relation to gambling and problem gambling in the Nordic context, albeit questions remain regarding the causality and directionality of these complex connections. Results also highlight the significant role of psychosocial factors, compared to structural aspects of social networks, in relation to problem gambling in a Finnish sample. These results support further research on psychosocial experiences not only as harms caused by problem gambling but also as potential determinants of problem gambling.
Here, the framework of Wardle and colleagues (2018) is a suitable backdrop for illustrating both harms and determinants in a multi-level socio-ecological framing. The survey study results further highlight inter-level interactions in problem gambling, where for example individual-level socio-demographic factors such as gender can interact with the gambling environment to affect the risk of experiencing problems.
The mapping study results highlight the need for a shift in the focus of Nordic gambling research from cross-sectional prevalence studies to increased translation of evidence into prevention and service-focused research initiatives. Gaps concerning for example research applying various qualitative methods and interdisciplinary research also emerged. Few longitudinal projects were identified, although these are now increasing in the Nordic setting. Concerning target groups, less research has focused on older adults and children. While a health science framework has been employed in Nordic gambling research, health science research with a more humanistic perspective such as that of caring science would add valuable contributions to both theory and health and social care practice, alongside the major epidemiological evidence base.},
keywords = {caring science, englanninkieliset väitöskirjat, Finland, gambling, health sciences, Nordic, population-based association study, problem gambling, psychosocial risk and support factors, systematic review},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {phdthesis}
}
Aims In the growing field of research on gambling and problem gambling various focal points for prevention efforts are determined. The aim of this thesis is to identify and synthesise the evidence concerning social risk factors in relation to gambling and problem gambling in a Finnish and Nordic context, with a special emphasis on the less studied psychosocial factors. Further, it aims to present an overview of the state-of-the-art of Nordic gambling research.
Methods Studies I-II utilized cross-sectional population survey data from the 2011 Western Finland Mental Health Survey (n = 4624, response rate 46.2%), with logistic regression analyses (Odds Ratios, 95% confidence intervals) performed in both studies. Systematic mapping review technique was applied in Study III, encompassing searches in 21 bibliographical e-databases and Google Scholar, covering Nordic gambling-themed articles published between 2000 and 2015. Systematic screening and coding of select variables was performed in line with a specified study protocol. In Study IV, publications from international scientific journals included in Study III were manually screened to identify studies focusing on psychosocial aspects. Search updates for the time period 2016-2019 were also undertaken. Study screening was performed in line with predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and key information coded.
Results In Study I, gambling form (online and mixed-mode gambling) as well as psychological distress increased the risk of reporting problem gambling among male past-year gamblers. The socio-demographic variables language and age group were also associated with problem gambling among men. Among female past-year gamblers, gambling form (mixed mode gambling) and reporting problematic alcohol use were associated with experienced problem gambling. In Study II, identical psychosocial factors ̶ higher levels of experienced loneliness and lower levels of experienced trust in people in one’s neighbourhood ̶ were associated with both problem gambling and problematic alcohol use. No structural aspects of social networks were significantly associated with problem gambling. Study III encompassed 382 relevant publications, with 310 of these identified in international and national scientific databases. The majority of the identified studies had first authors with Finnish, Norwegian or Swedish affiliations. The majority of Nordic gambling studies represented prevalence research (38.8%), focusing on gambling activities or problem gambling and various associated factors.
Correspondingly, the majority of the studies (39.7%) analyzed population samples/cohorts or other cross-sectional samples, with many of the studies also applying review approaches or presenting case studies (for example the gambling regulation system of a country). The scientific disciplines most frequently represented were social sciences (including media and humanities) and public health sciences. Study IV included 21 original gambling studies applying statistical or interview/narrative methods, with loneliness and social support being the most frequently featured psychosocial phenomena, evidencing mixed results in relation to gambling and problem gambling.
Conclusions In this thesis, psychosocial phenomena are identified as relevant factors to consider in relation to gambling and problem gambling in the Nordic context, albeit questions remain regarding the causality and directionality of these complex connections. Results also highlight the significant role of psychosocial factors, compared to structural aspects of social networks, in relation to problem gambling in a Finnish sample. These results support further research on psychosocial experiences not only as harms caused by problem gambling but also as potential determinants of problem gambling.
Here, the framework of Wardle and colleagues (2018) is a suitable backdrop for illustrating both harms and determinants in a multi-level socio-ecological framing. The survey study results further highlight inter-level interactions in problem gambling, where for example individual-level socio-demographic factors such as gender can interact with the gambling environment to affect the risk of experiencing problems.
The mapping study results highlight the need for a shift in the focus of Nordic gambling research from cross-sectional prevalence studies to increased translation of evidence into prevention and service-focused research initiatives. Gaps concerning for example research applying various qualitative methods and interdisciplinary research also emerged. Few longitudinal projects were identified, although these are now increasing in the Nordic setting. Concerning target groups, less research has focused on older adults and children. While a health science framework has been employed in Nordic gambling research, health science research with a more humanistic perspective such as that of caring science would add valuable contributions to both theory and health and social care practice, alongside the major epidemiological evidence base.
Methods Studies I-II utilized cross-sectional population survey data from the 2011 Western Finland Mental Health Survey (n = 4624, response rate 46.2%), with logistic regression analyses (Odds Ratios, 95% confidence intervals) performed in both studies. Systematic mapping review technique was applied in Study III, encompassing searches in 21 bibliographical e-databases and Google Scholar, covering Nordic gambling-themed articles published between 2000 and 2015. Systematic screening and coding of select variables was performed in line with a specified study protocol. In Study IV, publications from international scientific journals included in Study III were manually screened to identify studies focusing on psychosocial aspects. Search updates for the time period 2016-2019 were also undertaken. Study screening was performed in line with predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and key information coded.
Results In Study I, gambling form (online and mixed-mode gambling) as well as psychological distress increased the risk of reporting problem gambling among male past-year gamblers. The socio-demographic variables language and age group were also associated with problem gambling among men. Among female past-year gamblers, gambling form (mixed mode gambling) and reporting problematic alcohol use were associated with experienced problem gambling. In Study II, identical psychosocial factors ̶ higher levels of experienced loneliness and lower levels of experienced trust in people in one’s neighbourhood ̶ were associated with both problem gambling and problematic alcohol use. No structural aspects of social networks were significantly associated with problem gambling. Study III encompassed 382 relevant publications, with 310 of these identified in international and national scientific databases. The majority of the identified studies had first authors with Finnish, Norwegian or Swedish affiliations. The majority of Nordic gambling studies represented prevalence research (38.8%), focusing on gambling activities or problem gambling and various associated factors.
Correspondingly, the majority of the studies (39.7%) analyzed population samples/cohorts or other cross-sectional samples, with many of the studies also applying review approaches or presenting case studies (for example the gambling regulation system of a country). The scientific disciplines most frequently represented were social sciences (including media and humanities) and public health sciences. Study IV included 21 original gambling studies applying statistical or interview/narrative methods, with loneliness and social support being the most frequently featured psychosocial phenomena, evidencing mixed results in relation to gambling and problem gambling.
Conclusions In this thesis, psychosocial phenomena are identified as relevant factors to consider in relation to gambling and problem gambling in the Nordic context, albeit questions remain regarding the causality and directionality of these complex connections. Results also highlight the significant role of psychosocial factors, compared to structural aspects of social networks, in relation to problem gambling in a Finnish sample. These results support further research on psychosocial experiences not only as harms caused by problem gambling but also as potential determinants of problem gambling.
Here, the framework of Wardle and colleagues (2018) is a suitable backdrop for illustrating both harms and determinants in a multi-level socio-ecological framing. The survey study results further highlight inter-level interactions in problem gambling, where for example individual-level socio-demographic factors such as gender can interact with the gambling environment to affect the risk of experiencing problems.
The mapping study results highlight the need for a shift in the focus of Nordic gambling research from cross-sectional prevalence studies to increased translation of evidence into prevention and service-focused research initiatives. Gaps concerning for example research applying various qualitative methods and interdisciplinary research also emerged. Few longitudinal projects were identified, although these are now increasing in the Nordic setting. Concerning target groups, less research has focused on older adults and children. While a health science framework has been employed in Nordic gambling research, health science research with a more humanistic perspective such as that of caring science would add valuable contributions to both theory and health and social care practice, alongside the major epidemiological evidence base.
2013
Borch, Anita
Households' images of gambling Väitöskirja
Sosiologia, Helsingin yliopisto, 2013, ISBN: 978-952-109078-3.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Avainsanat: addictions, englanninkieliset väitöskirjat, gambling, gambling problems, households
@phdthesis{Borch2013,
title = {Households' images of gambling},
author = {Anita Borch},
url = {http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-109078-3},
isbn = {978-952-109078-3},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-01},
school = {Sosiologia, Helsingin yliopisto},
abstract = {Problem-oriented studies of gambling have been dominated by psychological and increasingly neuroscientific approaches. Less attention has been paid to the social surroundings that influence and are influenced by problem gambling. To help fill this gap in research, this thesis focuses on what Sulkunen and Rantala (Rantala and Sulkunen, 2011, Sulkunen 2007, 2012) call cultural images of gambling and problem gambling.
Cultural images refer to shared thoughts, which main function is to create a common reality of meanings, and hence enable people to orientate in the world and to communicate with others. Inspired by Sulkunen and Rantala s theories, it can be argued that problem gamblers undergo a process with three partially overlapping and mutually influencing stages of image-making: semiosis, de-semiosis and re-semiosis. In the process of semiosis, gambling is perceived, interpreted and given meaning. In the processes of de-semiosis and re-semiosis this meaning is changed and new images are born. So far the hypothesis of Sulkunen and Rantala has been analyzed in two particular settings: the fictional context of Western films dealing with different kinds of addiction, and the virtual context of a Finnish web forum discussing gambling and gambling problems. The aim of the thesis is to explore the hypothesis in the context of the household. Studying cultural images in the context of the household is an important supplement to dominant psychological and neuroscientific approaches on gambling, and hence contributes to preventing and reducing the harm of problem gambling in society.
Based on qualitative studies of households with and without reported gambling problems, the analysis supports the hypothesis suggesting that problem gamblers undergo a process of semiosis, de-semiosis and re-semiosis. Interestingly, the research also indicates that other household members, in this case the spouse, seem to undergo a similar process. Consequently, significant members of the immediate family should to a larger extent be included in prevention and harm reduction work, both by virtue of being an affected part ( patient ), and in terms of representing a self-help resource ( therapist ).},
keywords = {addictions, englanninkieliset väitöskirjat, gambling, gambling problems, households},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {phdthesis}
}
Problem-oriented studies of gambling have been dominated by psychological and increasingly neuroscientific approaches. Less attention has been paid to the social surroundings that influence and are influenced by problem gambling. To help fill this gap in research, this thesis focuses on what Sulkunen and Rantala (Rantala and Sulkunen, 2011, Sulkunen 2007, 2012) call cultural images of gambling and problem gambling.
Cultural images refer to shared thoughts, which main function is to create a common reality of meanings, and hence enable people to orientate in the world and to communicate with others. Inspired by Sulkunen and Rantala s theories, it can be argued that problem gamblers undergo a process with three partially overlapping and mutually influencing stages of image-making: semiosis, de-semiosis and re-semiosis. In the process of semiosis, gambling is perceived, interpreted and given meaning. In the processes of de-semiosis and re-semiosis this meaning is changed and new images are born. So far the hypothesis of Sulkunen and Rantala has been analyzed in two particular settings: the fictional context of Western films dealing with different kinds of addiction, and the virtual context of a Finnish web forum discussing gambling and gambling problems. The aim of the thesis is to explore the hypothesis in the context of the household. Studying cultural images in the context of the household is an important supplement to dominant psychological and neuroscientific approaches on gambling, and hence contributes to preventing and reducing the harm of problem gambling in society.
Based on qualitative studies of households with and without reported gambling problems, the analysis supports the hypothesis suggesting that problem gamblers undergo a process of semiosis, de-semiosis and re-semiosis. Interestingly, the research also indicates that other household members, in this case the spouse, seem to undergo a similar process. Consequently, significant members of the immediate family should to a larger extent be included in prevention and harm reduction work, both by virtue of being an affected part ( patient ), and in terms of representing a self-help resource ( therapist ).
Cultural images refer to shared thoughts, which main function is to create a common reality of meanings, and hence enable people to orientate in the world and to communicate with others. Inspired by Sulkunen and Rantala s theories, it can be argued that problem gamblers undergo a process with three partially overlapping and mutually influencing stages of image-making: semiosis, de-semiosis and re-semiosis. In the process of semiosis, gambling is perceived, interpreted and given meaning. In the processes of de-semiosis and re-semiosis this meaning is changed and new images are born. So far the hypothesis of Sulkunen and Rantala has been analyzed in two particular settings: the fictional context of Western films dealing with different kinds of addiction, and the virtual context of a Finnish web forum discussing gambling and gambling problems. The aim of the thesis is to explore the hypothesis in the context of the household. Studying cultural images in the context of the household is an important supplement to dominant psychological and neuroscientific approaches on gambling, and hence contributes to preventing and reducing the harm of problem gambling in society.
Based on qualitative studies of households with and without reported gambling problems, the analysis supports the hypothesis suggesting that problem gamblers undergo a process of semiosis, de-semiosis and re-semiosis. Interestingly, the research also indicates that other household members, in this case the spouse, seem to undergo a similar process. Consequently, significant members of the immediate family should to a larger extent be included in prevention and harm reduction work, both by virtue of being an affected part ( patient ), and in terms of representing a self-help resource ( therapist ).