The Problem with Self-Forgiveness: Forgiving the Self Deters Readiness to Change Among Gamblers

Self-forgiveness is generally understood to be a mechanism that restores and improves the self. In the current study, we examine
the possible deleterious consequences of forgiving the self among gamblers—specifically in regard to gamblers’ readiness to
change their problematic behavior. At a large Canadian university, 110 young adult gamblers’ level of gambling pathology was
assessed, along with their readiness to change and self-forgiveness for their gambling. Participants were 33 females and 75
males (2 unspecified) with a mean age of 20.33. Results revealed that level of pathology (at risk vs. problem gamblers) significantly
predicted increased readiness to change. Self-forgiveness mediated this relationship, such that level of gambling pathology
increased readiness to change to the extent that participants were relatively unforgiving of their gambling. Implications
for seeking professional assistance as well as treatment and recovery are discussed.