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"I want control and I imagine I have it": experiences of control and loss of control among people with gambling problems in Sweden

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Title: "I want control and I imagine I have it": experiences of control and loss of control among people with gambling problems in Sweden
Authors: Gerle, Ellen, Lundberg, Tove, Hofvander, Björn, Håkansson, Anders
Contributors: Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Lunds universitet, Medicinska fakulteten, Originator, Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, Section IV, Psychiatry (Lund), Lunds universitet, Medicinska fakulteten, Institutionen för kliniska vetenskaper, Lund, Sektion IV, Psykiatri, Lund, Originator, Lund University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Departments of Administrative, Economic and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Lunds universitet, Samhällsvetenskapliga fakulteten, Samhällsvetenskapliga institutioner och centrumbildningar, Institutionen för psykologi, Originator, Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, Section IV, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Lund Clinical Research on Externalizing and Developmental psychopathology (LU-CRED), Lunds universitet, Medicinska fakulteten, Institutionen för kliniska vetenskaper, Lund, Sektion IV, Barn- och ungdomspsykiatri, Enheten för klinisk forskning om utagerande beteenden och utvecklingsrelaterad psykopatologi, Originator, Lund University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Psychiatry, Lunds universitet, Medicinska fakulteten, Institutionen för kliniska vetenskaper, Malmö, Psykiatri, Originator
Source: International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-being. 20(1)
Subject Terms: Medical and Health Sciences, Health Sciences, Drug Abuse and Addiction, Medicin och hälsovetenskap, Hälsovetenskap, Beroendelära och missbruk, Social Sciences, Psychology, Applied Psychology (including Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy), Samhällsvetenskap, Psykologi, Tillämpad psykologi (Här ingår: Klinisk psykologi, psykoterapi)
Description: INTRODUCTION: Gambling harm is a widespread phenomenon affecting an increasing number of individuals. Understanding the concept of self-control is central to comprehending the nature of gambling problems. METHODS: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with ten individuals recruited through peer support associations in Sweden. The data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. RESULTS: Three group themes were identified: (Un)predictability and (Un)safety: The Meanings of Being in or Out of Control, Inside "the Bubble": Navigating (No) Control in and Through Gambling, and A Delicate Act: "Regaining" Control of an Uncontrolled Life. Gambling was described as part of a negative spiral in which individuals in challenging life situations attempt to create and recreate experiences of control through gambling. The more negative consequences gambling had on everyday life and relationships, the greater the need to retreat into a protective "bubble." DISCUSSION: Being in and out of control are universal human experiences through which we can better understand the maintenance of severe gambling problems. Between these two experiences, there is also a false sense of control that does not correspond to experiences previously described in the literature.
Access URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/17482631.2025.2530019
Database: SwePub
Description
Abstract:INTRODUCTION: Gambling harm is a widespread phenomenon affecting an increasing number of individuals. Understanding the concept of self-control is central to comprehending the nature of gambling problems. METHODS: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with ten individuals recruited through peer support associations in Sweden. The data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. RESULTS: Three group themes were identified: (Un)predictability and (Un)safety: The Meanings of Being in or Out of Control, Inside "the Bubble": Navigating (No) Control in and Through Gambling, and A Delicate Act: "Regaining" Control of an Uncontrolled Life. Gambling was described as part of a negative spiral in which individuals in challenging life situations attempt to create and recreate experiences of control through gambling. The more negative consequences gambling had on everyday life and relationships, the greater the need to retreat into a protective "bubble." DISCUSSION: Being in and out of control are universal human experiences through which we can better understand the maintenance of severe gambling problems. Between these two experiences, there is also a false sense of control that does not correspond to experiences previously described in the literature.
ISSN:17482631
DOI:10.1080/17482631.2025.2530019