06 October 2023
Bilbao Campus
Men and women experience gambling addiction differently. Therefore, mainstreaming gender to identify this disorder can help provide more appropriate care, as well as a more comprehensive and closer look at the particular needs of women. This is one of the main conclusions of the PhD thesis "Perspectiva de género sobre el trastorno de juego en mujeres y factores psicológicos implicado, defended by Laura Macía under the supervision of by Ana Estévez at the University of Deusto.
The gambling disorder was the first behavioural addiction to be recognised as a gambling disorder in the 5th edition of the "Manual diagnóstico y estadístico de los trastornos mentales" (DSM-5; APA, 2013). This disorder is more prevalent in men as it has been traditionally considered a male activity. However, in the case of women, a growing body of research shows that they have differential characteristics compared to their male counterparts, and that their presence in gambling may be under-diagnosed. However, little research has been conducted on the subject and hence, their needs and experiences are either ignored or, alternatively, clinical parameters are considered not to be representative on this matter.
Moreover, the transgression of the female role and social expectations of what is expected of them "as women" leads to rejection and greater social misunderstanding, thereby affecting their health and leaving a psychic imprint. The new PhD thesis at Deusto has worked on these issues, providing scientific evidence that can help towards the inclusion and visibility of women experiencing gambling problems.
Guilt and shame
Laura Macía's findings provide a clinical profile of women with a gambling disorder, showing that both the risk factors and the negative consequences associated with gambling disorders vary between the two sexes. The results have also highlighted the characteristics and needs that need to be addressed in therapeutic work with women.
These specific features include a later onset age, non-strategic and mainly chance-based gambling forms, less family support, greater feelings of guilt and shame, greater feelings of responsibility and care overload, deep feelings of loneliness, greater social stigmatisation, a range of comorbid pathologies, greater likelihood of having suffered mistreatment, abuse and violence, and/or gambling motivations mainly based on the need to avoid or cope with traumatic events or negative emotions, among others.
In her research Laura Macía has also observed that women with a gambling disorder may be more reluctant to go to a gambling rehabilitation centre and have greater barriers to accessing treatment, even reporting a higher level of severity. Specifically, in this study, social stigma, self-stigma and shame are identified as some of the elements that deter women from seeking help. Moreover, if they do not comply with the social norms on how to be a "good mother" or a "good woman", these women are at great risk of exclusion and isolation.
Therefore, this research study underpins the need to create or adapt methodology, interventions, treatments, as well as prevention programmes for women with gambling disorders. The findings also urge institutions and professionals to take into account women's experiences and the importance of giving them a voice. However, a more robust body of research is still needed to mainstream gender in the analysis and interpretation of results in the field of behavioural addictions. This PhD thesis at the University of Deusto is a further step in this regard.
