Journal of Health and Social Sciences (Mar 2019)
Tarred with the same brush: An initial inquiry into courtesy stigma and problem gambling
Abstract
Introduction: This study explores the relative intensity of courtesy stigma around problem gambling to other stigmatized conditions, and the ways in which courtesy stigma (or fear thereof) impacts problem gambling. Method: We draw on data from a government-commissioned national survey in a southern Caribbean country (n = 1,008). Comparative t-tests and multiple regression (ordinary least squares) were used to identify relative intensity and what impacts courtesy stigma of problem gambling, respectively. Statistical significance was set up at P < 0.05. Results: Problem gambling by a family member elicits more shame/embarrassment (M = 1.75) than using a wheelchair (M = 1.15) and having a mental illness (M = 1.22), but less shame than having a drug problem (M = 2.12) and on par with having an alcohol problem (M = 1.79, ns). With respect to courtesy stigma around problem gambling, the extents to which one considers various activities ‘gambling’ (b = -0.031, B = -0.068), one gambles him or herself (b = -0.015, B = -0.127), and the quality of experience with gambling (i.e. positive/negative; b = -0.038 B = -0.095) impacts potential embarrassment of a family member with a gambling problem. Catholics (b = 0.357, B = 0.355) and Hindus (b = 0.378, B = 0.376) were more likely to be embarrassed or ashamed than Anglicans, Muslims, Protestants, and other religions. Additionally, the unemployed (b = 0.282, B = 0.150) and the self-employed (b = 0.292, B = 0.290) were more likely to be embarrassed of a family member with a gambling problem. Discussion and conclusions: Normalization of gambling in the family impacts how much shame or embarrassment one feels about their problem-gambling family member. Moreover, some religions (Catholic and Hindu) and economic positioning (unemployed and self-employed) may affect embarrassment or shame of problem gambling family members.
Keywords
