Abstract
Despite substantial evidence that problem gambling is associated with a wide range of family difficulties, limited effort has been devoted to studying the negative impacts on family members as a result of problem gambling, particularly in Chinese communities. It was hypothesized that significant negative relationships would be found between family member impacts and family functioning; and significant positive relationship would be found between family functioning and health and psychological wellbeing. A total of 103 family members of problem gamblers who sought help from Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Even Centre in Hong Kong were interviewed. Results showed that a majority of family members were partners or ex-partners of the gambler with low or no income. Family functioning was negatively correlated to gambling-related family impacts and psychological distress, and was positively correlated to health and psychological wellbeing. The results provide preliminary support for patterns of family functioning that could protect families from negative impacts of addictions. It is suggested that a culturally-sensitive treatment modality that focuses on enhancing family functioning will facilitate improvement in gambling related family impacts.
Highlights
Despite substantial evidence that problem gambling is associated with a wide range of family difficulties, limited effort has been devoted to studying the negative impacts on family members as a result of problem gambling, in Chinese communities
Studies show that problem gambling causes significant disruption to marital relationships, family finances, and family functioning, and has a substantial impact on the mental and physical health of family members, including intimate partners, children, parents, and siblings (Dowling, Smith, & Thomas, 2007; Dowling, Suomi, Jackson & Lavis, 2016; Dowling, Rodda, Lubman, & Jackson, 2014; Hodgins, Shead, & Makarchuk, 2007; Kalischuk, Novatzki, Cardwell, Klein, & Solowoniuk, 2006; Patford, 2007; Suomi et al, 2013)
It was hypothesized that significant negative relationships would be found between family member impacts and family functioning; and significant positive relationship would be found between family functioning and health and psychological wellbeing
Summary
Despite substantial evidence that problem gambling is associated with a wide range of family difficulties, limited effort has been devoted to studying the negative impacts on family members as a result of problem gambling, in Chinese communities. Studies show that problem gambling causes significant disruption to marital relationships, family finances, and family functioning, and has a substantial impact on the mental and physical health of family members, including intimate partners, children, parents, and siblings (Dowling, Smith, & Thomas, 2007; Dowling, Suomi, Jackson & Lavis, 2016; Dowling, Rodda, Lubman, & Jackson, 2014; Hodgins, Shead, & Makarchuk, 2007; Kalischuk,, Novatzki, Cardwell, Klein, & Solowoniuk, 2006; Patford, 2007; Suomi et al, 2013). It has been argued that family members of problem gamblers are at a higher risk of having alcohol disorders, substance use disorders, and physical and. This accumulation of internal and external stressors can overwhelm the family and intensify the impact of adversity
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
