Emotional regulation and coping strategies affect the mental health of family members of people with gambling disorder

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Author(s): Estévez, Ana ; Jauregui, Paula ; Lopez, Naiara ; Lopez-Gonzalez, Hibai ; Griffiths, Mark D.

Journal: International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction

Year Published: 2019

Date Added: October 02, 2019

Family members of people with gambling disorder often suffer from mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety. Their ability to manage emotions and their coping strategies may determine the extent to which they can cope well with their situation. This study compared people who were family members of people with gambling disorder and people who had no one in their family with the disorder. The results showed that family members of people with gambling disorder had more symptoms of depression and anxiety. Difficulties in managing their emotions and poor coping strategies could lead to more symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Citation: Estevez, A., Jauregui, P., Lopez, N., Lopez-Gonzalez, H., & Griffiths, M. (2019). Difficulties in emotion regulation, coping, and dysfunctional psychological symptoms in family members of people with gambling disorder. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-019-00117-x

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-019-00117-x

Keywords: coping skills ; depression ; emotional dysregulation ; family ; gambling disorder

Topics: Anxiety and Depression ; Comorbidities ; Family and Friends ; Gambling and the Brain

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological - Comorbid Disorders ; Psychological Factors ; Psychological - Coping Styles ; Social - Family and Peer Gambling Involvement

Study Design: Observational: Case Control

Geographic Coverage: Spain

Study Population: People who reported having a family member with gambling disorder (the clinical sample), and those who did not have a family member with gambling disorder (the general population sample)

Sampling Procedure: Participants were recruited using convenience sampling. The clinical sample were recruited from gambling treatment centers where they were receiving group therapy for family members. These participants completed the questionnaire on site within the premise of the treatment center they attended. The general population sample completed the questionnaire online.

Study Funding:

No source of funding was declared for this study.

Declaration:

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest apart from MDG. MDG’s university currently receives funding from Norsk Tipping (the gambling operator owned by the Norwegian Government). MDG has also received funding for a number of research projects in the area of gambling education for young people, social responsibility in gambling, and gambling treatment from Gamble Aware (formerly the Responsibility in Gambling Trust), a charitable body which funds its research program based on donations from the gambling industry. MDG also undertakes consultancy for various gaming companies in the area of social responsibility in gambling.