Treatment for Family Members of People Experiencing Gambling Problems: Family Members Want Both Gambler-Focused and Fami
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Treatment for Family Members of People Experiencing Gambling Problems: Family Members Want Both Gambler-Focused and Family-Focused Options Simone N. Rodda 1,2,3 Dan I. Lubman 2,7
& Nicki A. Dowling
3,4
5
6
& Anna C. Thomas & Kathleen L. Bagot &
# Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2019
Abstract
Family member’s competing perspectives mean two distinct treatment approaches have developed (i.e., those focusing on the needs of the gambler, or the needs of the family), but little is known of what family members want if offered a choice. A convergent mixedmethod design with 62 family members examined the experiences of those seeking help via an internet service. Fifty percent of participants requested gambler-focused options, such as advice and support on getting the gambler to change, supporting behaviour change and facilitating treatment seeking. Family-focused approaches (28%) were most frequently about improving the quality of the relationship, getting information on support options and help in managing the impact of gambling. Family members also requested a blended approach (22%) (e.g. how to support the gambler and how to deal with the negative impacts). These findings suggest interventions need to able to accommodate both gambler-focused and family-focused approaches. Keywords Family . Problem Gambling . Affected others . CSO . Internet . Treatment . Brief interventions Untreated problem gambling is associated with a range of harms, which impact not only the person with problem gambling but also their family and children (Chan et al. 2016; Dowling et al. 2009, 2014, 2016b; Langham et al. 2016). While the most severe impact of problem
Prior Dissemination The data appearing in the manuscript has appeared in a report format and is available on the funder website (Australian Gambling Research Centre). However, this manuscript is substantially different to the descriptive data appearing in the report.
* Simone N. Rodda [email protected] Extended author information available on the last page of the article
International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction
gambling appears to be financial, research has found family members (inclusive of children, extended family and friends of the person with the gambling problem) are impacted by problem gambling in terms of their relationships, with higher levels of interpersonal conflict (e.g. anger, arguments, interpersonal violence) and intimate and family relationship dysfunction, as well as a lowered quality of life, social support and physical health (Dowling et al. 2016a; Kalischuk et al. 2006; Suomi et al. 2018, 2013). Research suggests that two out of three family members attending face-to-face services report a loss of trust and anger towards the person with the gambling problem (Dowling et al. 2016b). Family members also report negative mood states, including sadness, depression, anxiety and distress due to the gambler’s behaviour (Dowling et al. 2016b). Almost all family members seeking internet help report high rates of emotio
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