title: Unpacking the public stigma of problem gambling: The process of stigma creation and predictors of social distancing.
abstract: Background and aims Public stigma diminishes the health of stigmatized populations, so it is critical to understand how and why stigma occurs to inform stigma reduction measures. This study aimed to examine stigmatizing attitudes held toward people experiencing problem gambling, to examine whether specific elements co-occur to create this public stigma, and to model explanatory variables of this public stigma. Methods An online panel of adults from Victoria, Australia (N = 2,000) was surveyed. Measures were based on a vignette for problem gambling and included demographics, gambling behavior, perceived dimensions of problem gambling, stereotyping, social distancing, emotional reactions, and perceived devaluation and discrimination. A hierarchical linear regression was conducted. Results People with gambling problems attracted substantial negative stereotypes, social distancing, emotional reactions, and status loss/discrimination. These elements were associated with desired social distance, as was perceived that problem gambling is caused by bad character, and is perilous, non-recoverable, and disruptive. Level of contact with problem gambling, gambling involvement, and some demographic variables was significantly associated with social distance, but they explained little additional variance. Discussion and conclusions This study contributes to the understanding of how and why people experiencing gambling problems are stigmatized. Results suggest the need to increase public contact with such people, avoid perpetuation of stereotypes in media and public health communications, and reduce devaluing and discriminating attitudes and behaviors.
authors: 1 School of Human, Health and Social Sciences, Central Queensland University , Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Nerilee
authors: N
authors: Hing
authors: 2 Centre for Gambling Education and Research, Southern Cross University , Lismore, Australia.
authors: Alex M T
authors: AM
authors: Russell
authors: 2 Centre for Gambling Education and Research, Southern Cross University , Lismore, Australia.
authors: Sally M
authors: SM
authors: Gainsbury
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010465:Perception; D012929:Psychological Distance; D011581:Psychological Tests; D057545:Social Stigma; D013240:Stereotyping; D014739:Victoria
keywords: devaluation and discrimination; gambling disorder; problem gambling; public stigma; social distance; stereotyping