ArticleFrontiers in psychology2026
Psychological characteristics and coping strategies of affected others of patients with gambling disorder.
Article in Frontiers in 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.
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Abstract
Introduction: Gambling disorder generates substantial psychological, social, and economic harm not only for affected individuals but also for the relatives who support them. However, evidence regarding the psychological burden and coping strategies of these Affected Others (AOs) remains limited. This study aimed to examine the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of patients receiving treatment for gambling disorder and their AOs, compare differences according to family relationship type and gender, analyze associations between coping strategies and psychological distress among AOs, and explore predictors of global psychological distress in this population. Methods: A total of 184 patients diagnosed with gambling disorder according to DSM-5 criteria and their respective AOs participated in the study. Participants completed structured interviews and validated psychological assessments evaluating sociodemographic characteristics, coping strategies, impulsivity, and psychological distress. Results: AOs were predominantly women in partner or parental roles and reported high levels of psychological distress. Partners showed poorer mental health profiles, whereas fathers were more frequently older and unemployed. Across the sample, maladaptive coping strategies, particularly self-criticism and social withdrawal, were strongly associated with higher psychological distress, while problem-solving strategies were related to better emotional well-being. Regression analyses identified coping strategies, patient impulsivity, and patient self-related variables as significant predictors of AO psychological distress, explaining approximately 30% of its variance. Discussion: These findings highlight the substantial emotional impact experienced by AOs of individuals with gambling disorder and emphasize the protective role of adaptive coping strategies in their mental health. Interventions aimed at strengthening problem-solving abilities, promoting healthier emotional expression, and reducing maladaptive coping responses such as self-criticism and isolation may improve relatives' well-being and contribute to more comprehensive and effective treatment approaches for gambling disorder.
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