Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41827028›Full record

SynthesisBMC psychology2026

Gambling disorder in the context of couple relationships: a systematic review.

Raffaella Abate, MariaTeresa Tartaglione, Denise Splaice, Mimma Tafà, Guyonne Rogier, Patrizia Velotti

Abstract readSystematic Review
In one paragraph

Synthesis in BMC psychology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Raffaella AbateDepartment of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, University of Rome Sapienza, Via Degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy.
MariaTeresa TartaglioneInstitute of Systemic Medicine and Psychology (IMEPS) of Naples, Naples, Italy.
Denise SplaiceInstitute of Systemic Medicine and Psychology (IMEPS) of Naples, Naples, Italy.
Mimma TafàDepartment of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, University of Rome Sapienza, Via Degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy.
Guyonne RogierSaint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, Italy.
Patrizia VelottiDepartment of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, University of Rome Sapienza, Via Degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy. patrizia.velotti@uniroma1.it.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundIn recent years, Gambling Disorder (GD) has gained increasing attention in psychological and neuroscientific research due to its significant behavioral, social, and economic consequences. GD shares core features with substance addictions, including craving, tolerance, and withdrawal, and is influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. The couple's context plays a pivotal role in both the development and management of GD, as dysfunctional relational dynamics can perpetuate the disorder, leading to instability, chronic stress, financial difficulties, and even domestic violence. This systematic review aims to synthesize current evidence on the intersection between GD and couple relationships while identifying potential directions for future therapeutic and preventive interventions.

methodsFollowing PRISMA guidelines (BMJ 372:n71, 2021), a systematic literature search was conducted using five databases (PsycInfo, PsycArticles, Scopus, PubMed, and MEDLINE).

resultsThe 30 studies included in this review examined various aspects of GD within the couple's context. Specifically, 40% of the studies focused on the effectiveness of treatments for gamblers and their impact on partners and family members, while 30% investigated correlation between violence and GD. Additionally, 13.33% analyzed the bidirectional relationship between GD and couple dynamics, both as a contributing factor and as a consequence, 13.33% explored the influence of marital status and relationship conditions on GD, and 3.33% examined the role of attachment styles in gambling behaviors.

conclusionThis review underscores the intricate interplay between GD and couple relationships. The couple dynamic plays a crucial role in both the progression and management of GD, with dysfunctional interactions exacerbating stress and instability. Addressing these relational factors in treatment approaches may improve outcomes for individuals with GD and their partners.

Indexed as

GamblingInterpersonal RelationsHumansCouples’ contextCouples therapyFamily therapyGambling disorderSystematic review

Identifiers

PMID41827028
PMCPMC13101300

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.