Characteristics of concerned significant others of people with problem gambling and problem gaming in Norway

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Author(s): Fodstad, Elise Constance ; Erevik, Eilin K. ; Sagoe, Dominic ; Pallesen, Ståle

Journal: Journal of Behavioral Addictions

Year Published: 2025

Date Added: December 16, 2025

People who are worried about the behaviour of someone in their family or social network are referred to as concerned significant others (CSOs). This study examined the prevalence of CSOs of people with problem gambling (CSO/PG) and problem gaming (CSO/GAM) in Norway. A total of 2,000 Norwegian residents aged 16–74 years were randomly drawn from the population register and invited to participate in an online survey. Overall, 575 participants completed the survey. The lifetime prevalence was 23.2% for CSO/PG and 27.1% for CSO/GAM. The researchers examined the characteristics of CSOs based on whether they were in a ‘close’ (i.e., first-degree relatives and current partners) or ‘remote’ (e.g., ex-partners, friends, grandparents) relationship.

Citation: Fodstad, E. C., Erevik, E., Sagoe, D., & Pallesen, S. (2025). Concerned significant others of persons with problem gambling and problem gaming: Prevalence and characteristics in the Norwegian population. Journal of Behavioral Addictions. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2025.00083

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2025.00083

Keywords: affected others ; Concerned Significant Other (CSO) ; gambling ; gaming ; personality

Topics: Gambling and the Brain ; Personality

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological - Personality and Temperament ; Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection ; Social - Family and Peer Gambling Involvement ; Social Factors ; Gambling Resources

Study Design: Descriptive: Survey

Geographic Coverage: Norway

Study Population: Individuals between 16 and 74 years of age living in Norway (N=575)

Sampling Procedure: A random sample of 2,000 persons was selected from the Norwegian population registry and sent an invitation letter to participate in the study. Of the 2,000 invitations sent, 109 were returned due to invalid address, severe sickness, or sick, leaving a total of 1,891 potential participants.

Study Funding:

The Norwegian Competence Center for Gambling and Gaming Research (SPILLFORSK) at the University of Bergen founded the data collection.