This paper presents the update on problem gambling among Nigeria youth; looking at its prevalence, forms, the industry, causes and effects, empirical review of previous studies and its counselling implications. Gambling among youth remains a salient problem that is less recognised as a social menace among education stakeholders and researchers. This is because it is a common phenomenon that is considered as recreational activity and even legalised by Nigeria government through which revenue are generated (tax collected from the owners of various gambling companies). However, experts have noted that it causes more harm to the youth and the society than the good it may seem to portray.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Problem Gambling among Nigerian Youth
Causes and Effects of Problem Gambling
Systematic Review of Previous Empirical Studies
Implications for Counselling
Conclusion and Recommendations
References
Objectives and Research Themes
This paper aims to provide a comprehensive update on the state of problem gambling among Nigerian youth by examining its prevalence, industry dynamics, underlying causes, and societal effects, while identifying essential counselling interventions to mitigate this public health concern.
- Prevalence and growth trends of gambling among Nigerian youth.
- Economic and social impact of the gambling industry in Nigeria.
- Psychological and behavioural determinants of problem gambling.
- Systematic review of empirical research on gambling addiction.
- Counselling strategies and public health recommendations for harm reduction.
Excerpt from the Book
Problem Gambling among Nigerian Youth
Problem gambling or gambling addiction or gambling disorder has been defined as a bio-psychosocial disorder characterised by a persistent and recurrent maladaptive pattern of gambling behaviour (Clark, Averbeck, Payer, Sescousse, Winstanley & Xue, 2013). It is a repeated problematic betting behaviour that causes significant problems or distress to the victim. Problem gambling is also referred to as compulsive gambling. Initially included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-III under the name “pathological gambling” (Spitzer & Williams, 1980), this condition was subsequently renamed “gambling disorder” (GD) in the DSM-V and classified alongside substance-related disorders (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Saunders, 2017).
Problem gambling affects people of all ages, from adolescents as young as 10 to adults in their senior years. It is not a matter of being irresponsible; it is an addiction rooted in the brain just as are the drug and alcohol addictions of millions of people. It is not bad a behaviour or a bad habit; it is a serious condition.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides a definition of gambling, outlines its growth as a regulated industry in Nigeria, and discusses the shift towards sports betting and its immense economic footprint.
Problem Gambling among Nigerian Youth: Defines gambling disorder and examines the high prevalence and risk factors among Nigerian adolescents and young adults, highlighting its status as a serious public health challenge.
Causes and Effects of Problem Gambling: Analyzes the reasons why youth engage in gambling, such as unemployment and the desire for quick wealth, and describes the resulting adverse psychological, social, and economic consequences.
Systematic Review of Previous Empirical Studies: Summarizes various research efforts and case studies in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa that explore the correlation between gambling and mental health, personality traits, and demographic variables.
Implications for Counselling: Offers evidence-based strategies for counsellors, including cognitive treatment methods and school-based interventions, to support youth affected by gambling addiction.
Conclusion and Recommendations: Synthesizes the findings and advocates for collaborative efforts between government, stakeholders, and professionals to implement effective social policies and harm-reduction strategies.
References: A detailed bibliography of the academic literature, empirical studies, and reports cited throughout the review.
Keywords
Problem Gambling, Nigerian Youth, Gambling Disorder, Addiction, Counselling, Sports Betting, Prevalence, Public Health, Empirical Studies, Cognitive Distortions, Socio-economic Factors, Harm Reduction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the growing phenomenon of problem gambling among Nigerian youth, analyzing its prevalence, the influence of the local gambling industry, and the subsequent psychological and societal risks.
What are the primary themes discussed in the work?
Central themes include the economic impact of the gambling industry, the risk factors for adolescents, the relationship between gambling and mental health, and the need for proactive counselling strategies.
What is the primary objective of this review?
The primary objective is to update the current understanding of gambling issues in Nigeria to help educational stakeholders and mental health professionals design effective preventive and palliative measures.
Which research methodology is employed?
The paper utilizes a systematic review methodology, synthesizing empirical data and studies from various researchers to provide a comprehensive overview of existing findings on the subject.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers the definition of the disorder, the history of gambling in Nigeria, statistical data on betting, reviews of previous empirical research, and practical implications for professional counselling.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is best characterized by terms such as Problem Gambling, Nigerian Youth, Addiction, Public Health, Counselling, and Empirical Review.
How does the author characterize the role of the gambling industry?
The author acknowledges that the industry is legally supported and generates significant revenue, but notes that this often ignores the devastating social and public health consequences for the youth.
What role do counsellors play in addressing gambling addiction?
Counsellors are encouraged to use cognitive treatment to address irrational beliefs, improve communication with students, and foster extracurricular activities to improve self-esteem and serve as a coping mechanism.
Is gambling legal for minors in Nigeria?
No, gambling is illegal for those under 18, although the paper notes that enforcement against victims in this age range is minimal.
- Citar trabajo
- Akeem Adigun (Autor), 2020, Gambling Problem among Nigerian Youth. A Short Update, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/538173
