How Problem Gambling Shapes Activities of Daily Living: A Narrative Inquiry

People experiencing addiction often face difficulties completing their activities of daily living (ADLs). Little research exists on how problem gambling (PG)-a serious public health issue-intersects with ADLs.

To explore how PG shapes a person's ADLs.

This was a qualitative study that used narrative inquiry. We conducted 12 qualitative interviews with people experiencing PG and administered the Problem Gambling Severity Index and a sociodemographic questionnaire.

Virtual interviews via Zoom for Healthcare.

Canadian adults (N = 12) ages 23-32 yr. The majority identified as male, Black, college or university educated, and employed, with an income of ≥CAD$40,000. They self-identified as experiencing PG; were actively gambling, either online or land based; were of legal age to gamble; were able to participate in an English interview; and had access to email. Convenience and purposive sampling were used.

No outcomes are reported because of the exploratory nature of the study.

Four main themes, each with its own set of subthemes, emerged in the analysis: (1) the activity of gambling, (2) social influence, (3) gambling overtakes all ADLs, and (4) mental health.

Occupational therapists are well positioned to help clients with addictive behaviors. This study has the potential to inform occupational therapy practitioners who work with people experiencing PG.

The two primary researchers (Jazmin Carranza and Noelle Fossella) have limited personal and academic experience with PG. Their educational backgrounds include a master of science in occupational therapy (Carranza and Fossella) and bachelor's of science, with honors, in psychology (Fossella), biology (Carranza), and neuroscience (Carranza). All authors recognize the potential biases our life experiences may bring to our research, and we have endeavored to provide a true representation of the information the participants shared with us.

This study was conducted to better understand how the experience of problem gambling-a recognized public health issue-can change people's daily routines and activities. Findings from the experiences shared by participants indicate that problem gambling has a notable effect on the activities in which people participate and on how they engage in these activities. Social networks and mental health also were described as being affected by the experience of problem gambling. These results suggest that the potential exists for occupational therapists to use their expertise to help people with gambling problems engage in activities that are meaningful to them.