Coping with Guilt and Shame After Gambling Loss

Abstract

In this study we examined the relations between guilt and shame and coping strategies in response to gambling loss. Based on H.B. Lewis's (Shame & guilt in neurosis. New York: International Universities Press, 1971) account of guilt and shame, we proposed that unlike guilt, the experience of shame involves the attribution of gambling loss to stable and global internal factors (i.e., self-devaluation). We hypothesized that problem gambling severity would be more strongly associated with the intensity of shame than with the intensity of guilt following gambling loss. Further, we hypothesized that the intensity of shame would be positively associated with the use of avoidant coping strategies following gambling loss. Finally, we hypothesized that the intensity of shame would mediate the association between problem gambling severity and the use of avoidant coping. These hypotheses were supported by a retrospective survey of recent gambling losses. Our finding suggests that the experience of shame and the use of avoidant coping strategies to deal with this emotion are central to problem gambling severity.

Shame-prone gamblers and their coping with gambling loss

“…For example, a recent study (Yi & Kanetkar, 2011) showed that following gambling losses, problem gamblers experienced more intense shame than low-risk gamblers, whereas the intensity of guilt following gambling losses did not differ. Future research should investigate the possibility that an acute experience of shame may trigger the desire to gamble in problem gamblers.…”

“…Even though the construct of coping (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) has been applied extensively to the study of gambling, few researchers have investigated how individuals cope with gambling losses. Two studies that are notable exceptions (Shepherd & Dickerson, 2001;Yi & Kanetkar, 2011) are briefly summarized below. Shepherd and Dickerson (2001) tested the hypothesis that impaired control over gambling would be positively associated with the use of avoidant coping strategies (e.g., mental disengagement, behavioral disengagement, denial, wishful thinking) in response to specific gambling loss episodes.…”

“…These coping strategies were used in a separate paper (Yi & Kanetkar, 2011) to investigate the relationship between the intensity of shame versus guilt experienced following gambling loss (i.e., shame and guilt as emotion states) and the subsequent use of coping strategies. We found that the use of avoidant coping strategies was positively predicted by the intensity of shame following gambling loss, whereas it was not associated with the intensity of guilt.…”

Brief intervention based on Naikan therapy for a severe pathological gambler with a family history of addiction: emphasis on guilt and forgiveness

“…A limited ability to seek help represents a coping strategy associated with shame, and which usually coincides with guilt and resentment towards the original family members (Yi and Kanetkar 2011). This strategy often facilitates the development of PG and results in suicide attempts and/or bankruptcy.…”

Evaluation of the Strategies Coping With Consumers Guilt and Shame in Impulse Buying: A Study on University Students

“…The results indicated that two feelings were different. Yi and Kanetkar (2011), Lozınskı (2011), Jun and Yeo (2012 researched the relationship between guilt, shame, anger, and fear that are felt as a result of gambling loss, dieting and buying cell phones and coping strategies. According to the results, it was found out that the intensity and severity of gambling were more related to shame while the consumers who felt ashamed because of gambling loss and dieting chose the disengagement strategy among the coping strategies.…”