The impact of problem gambling: are there enough services available for families with children?

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to contribute to research on the help-seeking behaviours of the concerned significant others of gamblers.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a qualitative study.

METHODS

The message data were written by 40 partners of gamblers and collected from a Finnish-language online discussion forum designed for problem gamblers and their significant others. The method used was qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

The partners of gamblers who contacted the forum sought help and peer support. The discovery of gambling and debts caused shame, fear of stigmatisation and trust issues among the partners. For many partners, managing the financial matters in the household was a means of saving the family from incurring further debts. The partners had to cope with mixed feelings towards the gambler: some wanted to give their family a chance, whereas others were concerned about their children's well-being and decided to divorce the gambler.

CONCLUSIONS

As long as family members cannot find help for themselves owing to a lack of awareness or fear of stigmatisation, they may suffer from health inequality and social marginalisation.