Coping with Shame Mediates the Association Between Depression and Gambling Severity and Frequency

Recent research suggests that shame plays a key role in the pathway between depression and problem gambling. Little research has explored how methods of coping with shame may increase risk for depression and problem gambling. The present study examined how the four facets of coping with shame from the Compass of Shame Scale (Elison et al., [ 2006 ] Social Behaviour and Personality; an international journal, 34[3], 221-238) mediated the relationship between depression and gambling severity and frequency. Undergraduate students ( N = 484; age range 20 to 69, M age = 23.34, SD age = 23.84) completed self-reports of depression, facets of coping with shame, and gambling behaviors. Results showed that greater depression was associated with greater gambling frequency and severity, and this was explained by (1) a greater tendency to cope with shame by attacking others, and (2) a lesser tendency to cope with shame by attacking the self. Findings from this study improve our understanding of shame’s role in the pathway between depression and risk for problem gambling, and may help guide targeted interventions.