Compulsive Gambling

Comparison Essay # 115879

Gender and Sexuality > Theories of Gender
Psychology > Behaviorism
Psychology > Social

Compulsive Gambling

This paper looks at the differences between men and women relating to the issue of compulsive gambling.

1,443 words () | 6 sources | APA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

In this paper, the writer argues that gambling addiction is a serious problem that affects people regardless of their gender, although demographics and culture may vary in different areas. The writer looks at six perspectives on compulsive gambling from the existing literature on the subject, at times looking at specific questions of gender, which respectively are representative of social, cognitive and developmental perspectives. The writer maintains that men and women gamble differently and have different ages of onset for chronic gambling problems, often according to culture and gender roles. The writer concludes that chronic gambling affects both men and women, but in different ways, which can be seen through perspectives in existing literature.

Outline:
Introduction
Social
Cognitive
Developmental
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Compulsive gambling from this standpoint starts as a social activity, but winds up an isolating one.
"The theory of social learning or social behavior is also prominent among theories explaining addictive behavior, because when children see their parents gambling or playing cards for money all the time, it gives them exposure. Also, when adolescents rebel against their parents and see their friends gambling on sports games and gambling with cards, this is also a strong time for peer pressure which could cause addictive behavior. So generally the cause has to be tailored to the individual, so that the treatment and prevention efforts can continue in the same way, from a social development perspective of psychology. "

Sample of Sources Used:

Clark, D (2006). Gender, Age, Ethnic and Occupational Associations with Pathological Gambling in a New Zealand Urban Sample. New Zealand Journal of Psychology.
Delfabbro, P (2000). Gender Differences In Australian Gambling: A Critical Summary Of Sociological And Psychological Research. Australian Journal of Social Issues.
Sherman, C (2001). Age, Gender, History Influence Onset of Pathologic GamblingClinical Psychiatry News.
Splete, H (2003). Gender defines gambling. Clinical Psychiatry News,
Wickwire, P (2008). Environmental Correlates of Gambling Behavior Among College Students. Journal of College Student Development,