Problem gambling, general strain theory and gender

The prevalence of problem gambling has increased in the late 20th Century. Prior research has identified a host of factors that increase the likelihood that an individual will become a problem gambler, most of which would be identified by criminologists as "strains" under the framework of General Strain Theory (GST). Yet, GST has not been widely used as a possible explanation for why people become problem gamblers. In addition, there has been no examination of how gender interacts with those variables to affect problem gambling. In this dissertation, I use propositions from General Strain Theory to determine if it provides a framework for understanding why people become problem gamblers and whether gender is a moderating factor in this relationship. Secondary analysis of data collected from the Social and Economic Impacts of Gambling in Massachusetts (SEIGMA) study is analyzed to assess types of non-gambling strains, their relationship to problem gambling, and the role gender plays in this relationship. Findings demonstrate that non-gambling strains play a minor role in why people become problem gamblers. More relevant factors include having a non-substance behavioral problem and experiencing strain from a spouse/partner who is a problem gambler. Gender was found to have a strong direct effect on problem gambling (with men more likely to be problem gamblers than women), but few moderating effects were found, with one exception-men were more likely be problem gamblers than women if they experienced strain from their spouse/partner's gambling behavior.