Understanding the consequences of gambling on close relatives of people who gamble

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Author(s): Azemi, Ferid ; Avdyli, Merita ; Bytyqi, Vilard

Journal: Frontiers in Psychology

Year Published: 2023

Date Added: June 06, 2023

This study focuses on understanding the experiences of family members of people with gambling addiction. It focuses on the consequences gambling has on family members’ lives as this is an understudied topic. The researchers used in-depth interviews to explore the subject. All interviewed participants were female. The researchers analyzed the interviews thematically. This allowed for a deeper insight into the realities of gambling. Participants reported self-blame for not noticing the gambling problems earlier; truth denial on the part of the person who gambled; mental health issues including depression and fear; and financial bankruptcy. They also reported suffering from abusive behaviours coming from the person who gambled.

Citation: Azemi, F., Avdyli, M., & Bytyqi, V. (2023). Understanding gambling in the United Kingdom: A qualitative study on the experiences of gamblers’ families. Frontiers in Psychology, 14, 1009923. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1009923

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1009923

Keywords: abuse ; addiction ; criminal behaviour ; depression ; family relationships

Topics: Anxiety and Depression ; Comorbidities ; Crime and Deviance ; Family and Friends

Conceptual Framework Factors: Environment - Social and Economic Impacts ; Psychological - Comorbid Disorders ; Social - Family and Peer Gambling Involvement ; Gambling Environment ; Social - Deviance

Study Design: Qualitative: Content Analysis

Geographic Coverage: United Kingdom

Study Population: Close family members of people who gamble (n = 9; 4 ex-wives, 4 daughters, and 1 sister between the ages of 20 and 52 years old)

Sampling Procedure: The researchers posted a flyer online and then used snowball sampling. Participants had to be a member of the immediate family of a person who gambled, be over 18 years old, and be willing to be interviewed and to talk about gambling.

Study Funding:

No funding was declared for this study.