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The Problem with Self-Forgiveness: Forgiving the Self Deters Readiness to Change Among Gamblers

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Abstract

Self-forgiveness is generally understood to be a mechanism that restores and improves the self. In the current study, we examine the possible deleterious consequences of forgiving the self among gamblers—specifically in regard to gamblers’ readiness to change their problematic behavior. At a large Canadian university, 110 young adult gamblers’ level of gambling pathology was assessed, along with their readiness to change and self-forgiveness for their gambling. Participants were 33 females and 75 males (2 unspecified) with a mean age of 20.33. Results revealed that level of pathology (at risk vs. problem gamblers) significantly predicted increased readiness to change. Self-forgiveness mediated this relationship, such that level of gambling pathology increased readiness to change to the extent that participants were relatively unforgiving of their gambling. Implications for seeking professional assistance as well as treatment and recovery are discussed.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by a research grant from the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre (#2345) to Michael J. A. Wohl.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, B550 Loeb Building, Ottawa, ON, K1S 5B6, Canada

    Erinn C. Squires, Travis Sztainert, Nathalie R. Gillen, Julie Caouette & Michael J. A. Wohl

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  1. Erinn C. Squires
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  2. Travis Sztainert
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  3. Nathalie R. Gillen
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  5. Michael J. A. Wohl
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Correspondence to Michael J. A. Wohl.

Appendix: Adapted Version of the State Forgiveness Measure

Appendix: Adapted Version of the State Forgiveness Measure

  1. 1.

    I forgive myself for gambling.

  2. 2.

    I feel angry towards myself for my gambling behavior. (R)

  3. 3.

    Even though my gambling may hurt me, I do not feel ill will towards myself.

  4. 4.

    I dislike myself for my gambling behavior. (R)

  5. 5.

    When thinking about my gambling behavior I feel warmly towards myself.

  6. 6.

    I criticize myself because of my gambling. (R)

  7. 7.

    I put myself down because of my gambling. (R)

  8. 8.

    I give myself some slack for gambling.

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Squires, E.C., Sztainert, T., Gillen, N.R. et al. The Problem with Self-Forgiveness: Forgiving the Self Deters Readiness to Change Among Gamblers. J Gambl Stud 28, 337–350 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-011-9272-y

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