The Impact of Problem Gambling on the Female Spouses of Male Chinese Gamblers in Hong Kong: Emergence of a Multiple-Self Model

Abstract

Although problematic gambling is a widespread problem among Chinese populations across the globe, there is limited research on how it affects the female spouses of male Chinese problem gamblers. This paper contains findings from a wider grounded theory study which explored the experiences and coping strategies of Chinese spouses of problem gamblers in Hong Kong. Analysis of narratives from 23 female spouses of male gamblers revealed nine categories of impact. Based on these impacts and taking a constructivist perspective, we propose a culturally informed multiple-self model for understanding participants’ perceptions, interpretations, and constructions of the impacts. Implications for assessment, treatment, and directions for future research are discussed.