The purpose of this study is to develop a gambling addiction emotional regulation program and to verify its effectiveness.
In order to develop a gambling addiction emotional regulation program, a gambling addiction control program model was developed based on literature research, prior research, in-depth interviews of gambling addicts, in-depth interviews of field experts, and needs of gambling addicts. The program is, based on Greenberg(2001)’s the theory of 3 stage of change principles in Emotionally Focused Therapy, consisted of a stage of relationship formation, a stage of activation and exploration, and a stage of emotional reconstruction. Based on this model and content composition, this study developed a 12-session program to make positive changes in reducing gambling behaviors, reducing depression and improving self-esteem.
As a result of this, at first, it shows that gambling behaviors are reduced. The changes in gambling behaviors were statistically significantly reduced in the pre-to-post test scores. It suggests that the emotional regulation program became an opportunity to have emotional experience the influences of gambling and gambling addiction on the individual ''s life and family.
Secondly, the program was found to be effective in reducing depression in the experimental group. The change of depression was statistically significantly lowered in the change of the pre-to-post test scores. This is because the emotional regulation program helps the participants accept their emotions and recognize the change of family relationship. As shown in their own experiences of the experience reports, they were able to have hope for a new future by becoming not one having vain wish but one being aware of oneself in present.
Thirdly, this program has effects on improving self-esteem. Changes in self-esteem increased significantly in the post-to-post test scores. This is because the emotional regulation program made the participants, who attempt to make up for the negative emotions caused by gambling addiction and the oneself criticized by family with gambling, recognize importance to show their negative emotions and express their negative emotions functionally. Therefore, they reported that they had experienced and accepted the negative emotion fully.
Lastly, according to the experience reports, the participants reported that at first, they were initially uneasy and awkward to participate in the group and had difficulty in forming intimacy. However, as the session progressed, they opened themselves up and formed intimacy between groups. They recognized self-opening in collective experience and self-awareness through others. Hence, they experienced empathy for the emotions which have been suffering from gambling problems, encouragement and mutual supports to each other. Therefore, it was reported that they reconstructed positive internal forces and had positive changes of relationships with family and other personal relationships by understanding and accepting their negative emotions.


keywords: gambling addiction, a emotional regulation program