Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42084920›Full record

ArticleJournal of behavioral addictions2026

From coming to terms with the gambling problems to post-traumatic growth: A novel nine-stage theoretical model of recovery from gambling disorder.

Agathe Mansueto, Gaëlle Challet-Bouju, Jean-Benoit Hardouin, Marie Grall-Bronnec

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Journal of behavioral addictions, 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

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

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

4 authors.

Agathe Mansueto1Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, UIC Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale, Nantes, France.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5048-8751
Gaëlle Challet-Bouju1Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, UIC Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale, Nantes, France.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2238-8005
Jean-Benoit Hardouin2Nantes Université, Univ Tours, CHU Nantes, INSERM, Methods in Patient-centered outcomes and health Research, SPHERE, Nantes, France.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4743-3087
Marie Grall-Bronnec1Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, UIC Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale, Nantes, France.ORCID https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0722-7243

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background and aims: The concept of recovery is gaining increasing relevance in gambling disorder (GD). Rooted in the users' movement, recovery is viewed as a process involving non-medical and subjective dimensions. However, qualitative research on this topic remains limited, and no consensus exists on its definition. This study aimed to develop a theoretical model of recovery, examining stages, dimensions, and conditions shaping recovery trajectories from a holistic, patient-centred perspective. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 self-defined recovered gamblers and 10 self-defined currently recovering gamblers. Data were analysed using an inductive and comparative approach based on constructivist grounded theory (CGT). Results: A novel nine-stage theoretical model of recovery was developed: (1) Coming to terms with gambling problems; (2) Framing GD as a medical condition; (3) Acknowledging accountability; (4) Deciding to change and making an initial commitment to recovery; (5) Constructing one's recovery goal; (6) Maintaining long-term commitment; (7) Reclaiming autonomy and agency; (8) Rebuilding through recovery; and (9) Post-traumatic growth. The model identifies key dimensions that shape progression and conditions (facilitators and barriers) associated with each stage. Both groups mentioned all stages, though experiences differed depending on recovery status. Shared and group-specific facilitators and barriers were observed across stages. Discussion: Findings show that recovery is a multidimensional process, extending beyond behavioural change to include meaning-making processes and identity renegotiation. Conclusions: Results emphasise the need for a holistic, patient-centred approach. Qualitative research offers insights to inform tailored, recovery-oriented interventions and contribute to a unified, multi-stakeholder definition of recovery.

Indexed as

GamblingModels, PsychologicalPosttraumatic Growth, PsychologicalAdultFemaleGrounded TheoryHumansMaleMiddle AgedPsychological GrowthQualitative Researchgambling disorderin-depth interviewsproblem gamblingqualitative studyrecoverysemi-structured interviews

Identifiers

PMID42084920
PMCPMC13371744

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY-NC
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Registered trials

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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.