Compulsive gambling and its effect on the family

Abstract

The subject of this research study is the effect of compulsive gambling on the family. For the purpose of this study, the family is defined as male partner, female partner and children The participants in the study were four married couples with children, where the husband was a compulsive gambler and was attending Gamblers Anonymous, and the wife attended Gam.Anon. The research design consisted of participant observation at G.A and Gam.Anon. support groups for fourteen months, and interviews with the four husband and the four wives. An interview guide was used to structure the interviews. These were recorded and then transcribed to allow for as much and as accurate information as possible. This information was then analysed according to content themes. The findings of the study supported the theoretical frameworks presented in the literature review. It was found that the family is deeply affected when the husband is a compulsive gambler. These effects were financial, psychological and social in nature. It was also found that the majority of these effects, in some instances excluding financial repercussions, still exist long after the gambling has stopped, hence hindering the well being of the family.