Patients’ and professionals’ beliefs about the impact of social stigmatization on treatment of gambling-related disorders

Studies carried out so far have shown that negative stereotypes concerning people with gambling disorders and, in particular, the belief that these people bear personal responsibility for their illness, can significantly contribute to the stigmatization of these people. Shame and fear of stigmatization significantly hinder the decision to start treatment. This study investigates the beliefs of respondents about the impact of stigmatization of people with gambling disorders on the social perception of treatment of gambling disorders and the beliefs of respondents about the impact of stigmatization on undertaking treatment or seeking help. Furthermore, the study investigates whether treatment can help reduce stigma and whether professionals, in some way, take this problem into account in their practice.