Affected family members of relatives with gambling disorder during Italy’s COVID-19 lockdown restrictions

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Author(s): Donati, Maria Anna ; Capitanucci, Daniela ; Beccari, Carola ; Smaniotto, Roberta ; Quadrelli, Eleonora ; Casini, Alfredo ; Primi, Caterina

Journal: Frontiers in Psychology

Year Published: 2022

Date Added: September 15, 2022

Gambling disorder negatively affects both those who gamble as well as their families and friends. Affected family members (AFMs) include family members, friends, and work colleagues. This study examined the psychological state of AFMs during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy. A total of 53 AFMs and 42 of their relatives with gambling disorder participated in telephone interviews. Most AFMs reported a general interruption of their relative’s gambling behaviour. They also were relieved about the closure of gambling activities. However, many AFMs still felt that there were some gambling-related symptoms from their relative. So, they used some coping strategies to help manage the gambling problem. Compared to their relatives with gambling disorder, AFMs were more likely to have a general negative state. AFMs were also more likely to feel that this state worsened during the pandemic.

Citation: Donati, M. A., Capitanucci, D., Beccari, C., Smaniotto, R., Quadrelli, E., Casini, A., & Primi, C. (2022). What about affected family members of disordered gamblers during the COVID-19 pandemic? A study in Italy during the lockdown restrictions. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 801835. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.801835

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.801835

Keywords: affected others ; Concerned Significant Other (CSO) ; COVID-19 ; family ; family relationships ; gambling disorder ; psychological distress

Topics: Family and Friends

Conceptual Framework Factors: Environment - Social and Economic Impacts ; Social - Family and Peer Gambling Involvement ; Gambling Environment ; Environment - Public Policy

Study Design: Other Qualitative

Geographic Coverage: Italy

Study Population: 53 affected family members with relatives with gambling disorder. Most of the AFMs (77%) were women. On average, AFMs were 50 years old. Most AFMs had a high school diploma and were married. About half were employed. Most AFMs were the spouse/cohabitant of the person with gambling disorder. 42 of the relatives with gambling disorder also participated in the study. Most of the relatives with GD were men (86%). On average, relatives were 49 years old. Half were in the middle of treatment for gambling disorder. And half of the relatives were employed. Almost all regularly gambled (i.e., gambled weekly or daily). Most used slot machines for gambling. According to the SOGS, all relatives were classified as ‘problem gamblers.’

Sampling Procedure: AFMs of people with gambling disorder were recruited in the north of Italy. The participants were contacted through the health services where their relative was in treatment for gambling disorder.

Study Funding:

No funding sources were declared by the authors in relation to this study.