An exploration of the effectiveness of counseling on people with gambling addictions- Singapore case study.

• Main Authors: Chin Yu Wang, 王經宇
• Other Authors: 蕭文
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2012
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/57457985997827643428

碩士 === 國立暨南國際大學 === 輔導與諮商研究所 === 100 === This research aims to investigate and analysis the factors causing excessive and uncontrolled gambling among Singaporeans and the positive impact that professional counselling have on these interviewees. Four individuals, aged 45-65 were extensively interviewed. Analysis and discussion were carried out after those interviews. 1) Singaporeans become addicted to gambling due to 4 main reasons. The paramount issue is when one’s family members have the habit of gambling, this is especially true for Singaporean-Chinese families, as it is part of the Chinese culture and heritage. The second reason is external influences such as gambling facilities in the neighbourhood vicinity, overhearing about gambling news at the work place and peer pressure. Followed by personal issues, this includes seeing gambling as an avenue to escape from the stressful and demanding reality, looking for cheap thrill, unsatisfying greed and the hatred of “losing” in a gamble. Last but not least, has got to do with one having the incorrect mentality about monetary values and the delusional thought that “one fine day, I will win and become a millionaire” 2) There is a myriad of tell-tale signs of a gambling addict. These includes under-performing at work, increased frequency of lying, higher tendency to break the law, constantly searching for avenues for loans, be it legal or illegal, a huge drop in personal standard of life and/or quality of living and also having suicidal thoughts. 3) The effectiveness and impact that professional counselling has on gambling addicts. Firstly, it is proven that victims whom accepted professional counselling usually achieved positive results such as having a proper goal in life, the courage to face the music, the ability to introspect, understanding the right monetary principles and most importantly, experiencing the love and support from ones family members. Secondly, the most prominent setback in the struggle against addictive gambling is the tendency of a relapse. The reason of a relapse ranges from family related disputes, pressure from illegal money-lenders (loan sharks), merely in an emotional or depressed state and also the temptations from overhearing conversations with regards to gambling. All of the above contribute to a relapse. The methods employed to curb the urge to gamble includes continual and consistent counselling sessions, constant self-reminder, engaging in alternative healthy activities to occupy the human mind to preventing it from drifting back to the delusional world of gambling and also plenty of will power. Thirdly, the thought of clearing the debts incurred are often the paramount issue that gambling addicts want to sort out after they calls it quit. Fourthly, the problem that counselling centres in Singapore are facing are mainly the lack of funds and shortage of full-time personnel, this is especially true and alarming in a country with a steadily surging number of gambling addicts. Fifth, the support from family members is a key source of strength and determination for the gambling addicts. Sixth, the importance of having ex-gambling addicts as staffs and alumni far outweighs its detriments. It not only has a positive impact on victims, it is also extremely beneficial for the mind and soul of the ex-gambling addicts themselves who has just won the battle against gambling addiction. Seventh, one cannot deny that religion is a powerful asset for gambling-addicts and has advantageous effects on their fight against addictive gambling. 4) The government of Singapore has a solid policy on gambling. This includes the increased pressure and crack down on illegal money-lenders (loan shark), banishing the current annual casino membership, tightening the rules and regulations on legal money-lenders and the issuing of credit card by banks, taping on the valuable experiences and advantages of the “ex-gambling addict” and also taking firm actions on rectifying the shortcomings of anti-gambling counselling centres as mentioned earlier. Lastly, this research is based on the results obtained from the interviews conducted. Analysis and advices are than carried out accordingly. This research article may be used as a reference material for the benefits of future readers. Key words: Gambling addict, ex-gambling addict, professional counselling, effectiveness