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Abstract

This dissertation explores the role of new media in the development of problem gambling within adolescents in the UK, utilising thematic analysis and qualitative methods to provide an overarching understanding of the experiences of a adolescent problem gambler, something that has been inadequately provided in the current academical field. Existing academic work provides insight into problem gambling in isolation, failing to provide general context to the data provided by the participants. In contrast this dissertation looked to provide qualitative insight into the general past, present and future livelihoods of the participants. 

In the process of this dissertation significant links between new media and their experiences with problem gambling were found throughout their lives. Psychological sensations that mimic that of gambling establish addictive behaviour far before taking part in gambling “proper”, ease of access provided by new media allowed for an ease transition into gambling activities even when under the legal age restrictions, and factors present in new media acted as barriers that keep participants looking in their behaviours. Ultimately what was found was an abhorrent under regulated aspect of British society creating a pipeline of future problem gamblers.

In order to attain this information an average of 45 minute long unstructured interviews were conducted with 6 former adolescent problem gamblers, with the result thematically analysed and then discussed with reference to academic sources linking it to the established literature in the field. These participants were sampled through a snowballing method in which already acquainted participants were asked to seek out and provide further participants to be vetted for the study, and each and every participant as well as potential participant was met with significant ethical consideration.

 

Course: Sociology with Pyschology - BSc (Hons) - C1509

Date Deposited: 2024-01-25

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14320.html