Date of Award

2005

Publication Type

Doctoral Thesis

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Department

Psychology

Keywords

Psychology, Clinical.

Rights

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

Abstract

Russian culture has played a prominent role on the world stage for centuries. Increasingly, through immigration, it has come into close contact with other cultures. Recent years have seen dramatic changes in Russian society, among which have been significant increases in addictions such as alcoholism and drug use, and a phenomenal increase in gambling opportunities. This study empirically examined aspects of Russian worldview, the "cultural lens" through which people view themselves and the world around them. It also examined gambling and its correlates and the relationships between worldview and gambling. Doing so led to the observations that relative to Canadians, Russians were less likely to gamble, equally likely to be at risk for problem gambling, and more likely to gamble on games requiring skill (e.g., table games versus roulette or slot machines). The empirically generated data provided context for a qualitative inquiry into Russians' perceptions of the nature of gambling in their culture. The qualitative inquiry found that for Russians a central element of gambling was azart, a goal-oriented competitive passion. Azart can be directed towards virtually any activity (such as excelling in sports or academic achievement); however, for some people a materialistic worldview is associated with azart that is directed toward gambling. Possible prevention and treatment strategies helpful to a Russian population were explored. These centered on ways to help people direct their azart toward more constructive activities.Dept. of Psychology. Paper copy at Leddy Library: Theses & Major Papers - Basement, West Bldg. / Call Number: Thesis2005 .P54. Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 66-11, Section: B, page: 6290. Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Windsor (Canada), 2005.

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