Gambling harms, stigmatisation and discrimination: A qualitative naturalistic forum analysis.

People who experience gambling harms commonly experience stigmatisation, which is detrimental to psychological wellbeing, and a significant barrier to help-seeking. While there have been efforts to challenge stigmatisation, there is little empirical evidence available to inform such initiatives. To address this gap in knowledge, we conducted a thematic analysis of naturalistic data in the form of posts made on online support forums by people with experience of gambling-related harm, in order to understand how they are stigmatised, and to identify barriers to help-seeking.

The Role of Social Support and Belonging in Predicting Recovery from Problem Gambling.

Research indicates a role for both social support and belonging in addiction recovery, however little is known about the role of these constructs in the recovery from problem gambling, and whether they relate to the effectiveness of mutual aid groups such as Gamblers Anonymous. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the relationship between social support and belonging, and to assess the role of demographics (including group membership of GA), social support and/or belongingness in predicting gambling addiction recovery in terms of gambling urges and quality of life. Using a cross sectional design, participants identifying as having problem gambling (n = 60) completed an online questionnaire with two independent variables (Social Support and Belonging), two dependent variables (Gambling Urges and Quality of Life) to assess gambling addiction recovery and measures of GA membership.

Exploring the experience of Gamblers Anonymous meetings during COVID-19: a qualitative study.

Whilst much research has explored the possible causes and consequences of gambling, Gamblers Anonymous (GA) - one of the most accessed forms of support for gamblers - has been largely overlooked and, to date, only a few studies have explored how members experience this programme. Core to GA is the social interaction between members. From March 2020, however, the COVID-19 pandemic forced GA to move their meetings online.