PhD Study: Problem gambling and family violence – a life course analysis
This research will explore through primarily qualitative methods the relationship between problem gambling and family violence, expanding our knowledge of the adverse effects of harmful gambling on both individuals and their ‘affected others’.
The Research
Whilst there is a growing body of evidence of the detrimental impacts of problem gambling on the immediate families of gamblers, to date there has been little exploration of the extent to which this manifests in the form of violence within the home. The limited evidence that does exist points towards a significant relationship between problem gambling and intimate partner violence, with one study of family members of problem gamblers suggesting that over half of this group had experienced family violence in the previous twelve months, either as a victim or perpetrator. This study will be the first to explore this issue in the UK specifically, and will identify the prevalence of problem gambling and family violence amongst those who have sought treatment or support for gambling harms.
The research will use a qualitative life history narrative approach to understand the nature, trajectory, fluidity and impact of the relationship between problem gambling and family violence. The findings will be used to shape best practice relating to education, prevention and treatment of gambling harms and to inform further research in this emergent area.
Methods
This study will develop measurement tools in order to run a pilot study, participant screening and life history narrative interviews.