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Gambling disorders are psychological problems that are typically less investigated than substance use disorders; however, gambling-related issues are a concern for many individuals in society. Previous studies have revealed various psychological and external triggers to affect gambling. Lack of control, depression, relationship troubles, and decreased performance in work or school all have been reported to be associated with gambling problems. The current study aims to examine subjective evaluations of those engaging in gambling, from their first participation to the addiction phase and beyond. This study has been designed as a qualitative research. Three individuals diagnosed with gambling disorders have been interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire, and the data have been analyzed using the method interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). The study’s findings reveal eight superordinate themes (i.e., early onset, internal triggers of gambling, external triggers of gambling, loss of control, psychological impairment, social-life issues, hiding, and reclaiming control) and their subthemes. Some particular common processes (e.g., loss of control, chasing the loss) have been found to be associated with gambling-related problems. In addition, each participant has made different progress in terms of coping with their gambling disorders. The participants’ subjective gambling experiences have revealed the multidimensional and dynamic aspects of gambling problems.
To cite this article: Erdoğdu, Y. (2019). Interpretative phenomenological analysis of the gambling experiences of problematic gamblers. Addicta: The Turkish Journal on Addictions, 6, 871−906. http://dx.doi.org/10.15805/addicta.2019.6.3.0006