ABSTRACT
Purpose@#This study aimed to understand the coping experiences of spouses of males with gambling disorders. @*Methods@#This study used narrative inquiry. Four spouses were recruited from Gam-Anon family groups. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with each participant were conducted from November to December 2020. @*Results@#The coping experiences of spouses ranged from daily stress to traumatic stress. The coping strategy was modified and developed by the perception of their husbands' gambling. Changes in participants' coping strategies were related to emotions that arose from the context of social interaction and internal emotions. The coping experiences of spouses were the process of learning a new way of recognizing the true meaning of life and finding happiness. @*Conclusion@#This study proposed an efficient coping strategy for families of people with gambling disorder by understanding the spouse's coping experiences. Reducing social stigma and creating a supportive environment for families of people with gambling disorders is essential, and perceived social support can be related to the spouse's adoption of effective coping strategies.
ABSTRACT
Purpose@#This study aimed to understand the coping experiences of spouses of males with gambling disorders. @*Methods@#This study used narrative inquiry. Four spouses were recruited from Gam-Anon family groups. In-depth, semi-structured interviews with each participant were conducted from November to December 2020. @*Results@#The coping experiences of spouses ranged from daily stress to traumatic stress. The coping strategy was modified and developed by the perception of their husbands' gambling. Changes in participants' coping strategies were related to emotions that arose from the context of social interaction and internal emotions. The coping experiences of spouses were the process of learning a new way of recognizing the true meaning of life and finding happiness. @*Conclusion@#This study proposed an efficient coping strategy for families of people with gambling disorder by understanding the spouse's coping experiences. Reducing social stigma and creating a supportive environment for families of people with gambling disorders is essential, and perceived social support can be related to the spouse's adoption of effective coping strategies.
ABSTRACT
Purpose@#The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the experience of people with gambling disorder, who participated in the therapeutic community. @*Methods@#Ten adults participated in a therapeutic community for at least three months and abstinent from gambling for more than six months. The data were collected May 16-August 1, 2019. Individual in-depth interviews were performed for 35~40 minutes. @*Results@#The data were classified into seven categories and 14 subcategories using thematic analysis methods. The subjects reported the experience of the therapeutic community as follow: 1) Trusting in a warm and safe environment; 2) Being comforted by colleagues’ empathy; 3) Recognition of personal problems through colleagues’ stories; 4) Recognition of personal wrong values through philosophy; 5) Recognition of a personal problem with lifestyle; 6) Empathizing with family members; 7) Development of the ability to recognize and cope with relapse. @*Conclusion@#The results showed that the therapeutic community had a positive impact on gambling abstinence and changes in the attitudes of life.