Cocreating Life Pathways: Problem Gambling and its Impact on Families

Abstract

The objective of this study was to present a grounded theory specific to problem gambling and its impact on families. The research question was ‘‘How does problem gambling impact the family?’’ Twenty-two families participated in the study; most families (n = 21) were involved in treatment for problem gambling. In total, 47 interviews were conducted with 37 family members. Using the grounded theory method, the interviews were analyzed and the resulting theory is comprised of seven interrelated, dynamic, and iterative elements. The first two elements, trauma and trigger, are specific to the problem gambler. These two elements are foundational to the initiation of problem gambling and are referred as the problem gambling platform. Once problem gambling behavior is initiated, both the gambler and other family members individually and collectively experience the other five elements including transition, tension and turmoil, transformation, transcendence, and termination. Understood from a holistic perspective, the psychosocial processes described in this theory ultimately result in family members cocreating life pathways for both themselves and other family members. Representing the uniqueness of each individual family member’s journey within the context of the family environment, this theory highlights the need for relational, family-focused care, and treatment options.

Impacts of gambling problems on partners: partners’ interpretations

“…The discovery of their partner's gambling problems was extremely distressing for partners and generated many additional problems, a finding similarly noted in other research (Dickson-Swift et al, 2005;Grant Kalischuk, 2010). Distress and emotional suffering were evident in all participant responses.…”

“…However, little research has actually examined the impact of gambling on family finances (Grant Kalischuk, 2010;Hodgins & el-Guebaly, 2004;Slade & McConville, 2003). Nevertheless, financial stress, debt, loan default, harassment by creditors, loss of property and lack of financial security are known to be issues for people with gambling problems (Grant Kalischuk, 2010).…”

“…However, little research has actually examined the impact of gambling on family finances (Grant Kalischuk, 2010;Hodgins & el-Guebaly, 2004;Slade & McConville, 2003). Nevertheless, financial stress, debt, loan default, harassment by creditors, loss of property and lack of financial security are known to be issues for people with gambling problems (Grant Kalischuk, 2010). Particularly distressing for partners, the disclosure of financial problems or bankruptcy, and the loss of joint savings and/or assets to settle debts, can lead to profound disruptions to a family's lifestyle, sometimes necessitating an increase in paid work by the partner, sale of the family home, and downgrading of established lifestyles and activities (Dickson-Swift et al, 2005;Grant Kalischuk, 2010).…”

“…Nevertheless, financial stress, debt, loan default, harassment by creditors, loss of property and lack of financial security are known to be issues for people with gambling problems (Grant Kalischuk, 2010). Particularly distressing for partners, the disclosure of financial problems or bankruptcy, and the loss of joint savings and/or assets to settle debts, can lead to profound disruptions to a family's lifestyle, sometimes necessitating an increase in paid work by the partner, sale of the family home, and downgrading of established lifestyles and activities (Dickson-Swift et al, 2005;Grant Kalischuk, 2010). Patford (2009) and Steinberg (1993) note that partners frequently take responsibility for many aspects of their gambling partner's lives even though these may be unfamiliar and difficult roles and responsibilities.…”

“…Furthermore, research shows that debt and other financial problems can contribute to negative effects on health and wellbeing, with links drawn, for example, between debt and problems with mental health (Dickerson, 1995;Grant Kalischuk, 2010;Patford, 2009) and physical health (Downs & Woolrych, 2010;Grant Kalischuk, 2010). Patford's (2009) study of female partners, for example, concluded that dealing with a partner's gambling and related financial and legal problems can negatively affect a woman's physical and mental health through smoking, insomnia, over-eating, high blood pressure, panic attacks, fatigue and exhaustion.…”