Family Attitudes Influence on the Prognosis of Problem Gamblers

Abstract This study is to examine the relationship between family attitudes and the prognosis for problem gamblers. Fifty-four families of problem gamblers participated in this study. The findings provided support for the hypothesis that high levels of expressed emotion (EE) of concerned significant others (CSOs) are associated with not giving up gambling, while low levels of expressed emotion of CSOs are associated with giving up gambling among gamblers. As well, the findings suggested that supportive attitudes from CSOs are associated with giving up gambling among problem gamblers while non-supportive attitudes are associated with not giving up gambling among problem gamblers. The results support that both family’s high/low EE levels and supportive/non-supportive attitudes have an association with the giving up/not-giving up of gambling of problem members. Families’ attitudes and emotions toward problem gamblers may mediate their prognosis of problem gambling. A non-supportive attitude of critical comments, hostility, and emotional over-involvement can contribute to gambling which in turn leads to more non-supportive attitudes. A supportive attitude of positive remarks and warmth can contribute to giving up gambling which encourages more supportive attitudes. These relationships can be dynamic.