City Research Online

Abstract

Gambling-related difficulties have been well-researched, yet our knowledge of UK-based women’s experience of their relationships with a family member experiencing long-term gambling-related difficulties is limited. This study aims to explore how these women experience their relationship with the family member in question. Five participants, who self-identify as women with a relationship with their family member, were recruited via UK gambling support charities and interviewed. The data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Four themes developed from the analysis were: ‘I had to care for them and others’, mirroring participants' reports of a role-reversal and caring beyond what was expected within their relational role. ‘I am bearing the financial and emotional consequences of betrayal’ captures participants’ experiences of feeling violated by their family member’s financial dishonesty and lack of trust. ‘I carry the long-term impact of their gambling while attempting to rebuild my life’ highlights how participants reframe ways to reshape their lives in the moment and aftermath of their family member's gambling difficulties. ‘I am trying to forgive, as it is a hard thing to do’ illustrates the conflict participants experienced while attempting to forgive their family member for the gambling impacts they had caused. These findings illuminated the multifaceted impact of the women’s experience of their family member’s long-term gambling-related difficulties. Future research highlights the need for targeted interventions to support women relatives of such family members.

Publication Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman H Social Sciences > HT Communities. Classes. Races H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare
Departments:	School of Health & Medical Sciences > Department of Psychology & Neuroscience School of Health & Medical Sciences > School of Health & Medical Sciences Doctoral Theses Doctoral Theses

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