Conceptualizing and treating problem gambling as a family issue.
Few family therapists have training in the identification, assessment, and treatment of problem gambling and its impact on couple and family relationships. The authors conceptualize problem gambling (PG) as a family issue and encourage clinicians and researchers to pay attention to the systemic antecedents and consequences of PG on family relationships. A review of the literature and clinicians' experiences regarding the impact of PG on couple and family relationships are presented and discussed. In light of the limited systemic-based treatments for PG, marriage and family therapists are urged to begin paying attention to this emerging issue that has significant couple and family ramifications.
Purdue University, Department of Child Development and Family Studies, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA. jlmccomb@purdue.edu
Jennifer L
JL
McComb
Bonnie K
BK
Lee
Douglas H
DH
Sprenkle
D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003419:Crisis Intervention / Q000379:methods*; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008388:Marital Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology