Gambling problems, distress and proneness to depression in the Winnipeg Area Study

Abstract

Legalized gambling in Canada has increased dramatically over the last two decades. The existing literature suggests that a subgroup of individuals with gambling problems might be characterized by an emotional vulnerability to depression, although psychological factors related to such vulnerability have rarely been examined. This thesis utilized a representative community sample to examine the relationship between self-criticism, a psychological factor reflecting vulnerability to depression, distress and gambling problems and to provide data on the prevalence and correlates of gambling problems in Winnipeg. Results indicated that self-criticism is significantly related to gambling problems and this relationship was stronger among women. The prevalence of gambling problems was 11%, double the most recently reported Canada-wide estimates. Correlates of gambling problems revealed in the current study were consistent with previous research. These results have important implications for treatment and prevention efforts as well as public policy regarding gambling and gambling advertising in Canada.