Contextualizing Unconventional Beliefs And Ritual Activity: A Case Study Of Moderate Risk And Problem Slot Machine Gamblers

This dissertation examines gambling associated beliefs. To this point, research on these beliefs is found in the field of psychology, but provides little contextual insight to the gambling scenario. The dissertation uses theoretical insights from the field of sociology, and specifically the sociology of beliefs as well as religious and social movements, to examine beliefs through a sociocultural lens. In a bid to gain contextual insight informed by subjective understanding, the research draws on in-depth interviews. In total 43 moderate-risk and problem slot machine gamblers were interviewed along with a comparison group of 10 non-problem gamblers all from Toronto, Ontario. Four key findings emerge from this research. 1) Beliefs about the ability to determine or procure an outcome might be more accurately described as modern superstitions; the comparison group of non-problem gamblers has similar beliefs, thus supporting this suggestion. 2) The casino frames the experience of these particular problem gamblers, providing them with structure, supporting their beliefs, and allowing them to experience and enact strongly held values. 3) Their belief in one day securing a substantial win appears largely indestructible as demonstrated by investigating its structure and validation logics or strategies. 4) Various dissonance management strategies are used to maintain this belief although the success of any one strategy depends on a host of social processes; similar strategies and processes are found among apocalyptic groups awaiting prophetic confirmation. In their entirety, these findings suggest that the beliefs of problem gamblers may not only be viewed as cognitive distortions. An alternative view is that they might also be understood as a problematic belief system that is as “normal” as any other belief system, only that these beliefs are non-rational instead of irrational and thereby resistant to disconfirmatory evidence.Ph.D.2018-02-12 00:00:0