Difficulties in Emotion Regulation, Coping, and Dysfunctional Psychological Symptoms in Family Members of People with Gambling Disorder

Abstract

Gambling disorder not only affects those who suffer from it but also has consequences for their families. Considering such repercussions are often understudied, and the aim of the present study was to evaluate the main differences between family members of people with gambling disorder (GDFMs) and those with no relatives diagnosed with gambling disorder (non-GDFMs). The variables examined in the present study included emotion regulation, coping strategies, depression, and anxiety. The sample (N = 203) was divided into two groups. This comprised a clinical group (n = 89 participants, 43.8% of the sample), with 69.7% of women (Mage = 48.63, SD = 13.36), and a community sample (i.e., no gambling-related problems in their family; n = 114, representing 56.2% of the sample), containing 64% of women (Mage = 35.89, SD = 11.45). Results showed that GDFMs scored significantly higher than non-GDFMs (i) on anxiety and depression scales, (ii) on difficulties in emotion regulation, and (iii) on maladaptive coping strategies. Additionally, difficulties in emotion regulation and coping strategies correlated with anxiety and depression. Regression analyses showed that difficulties in emotion regulation and coping strategies predicted anxiety and depression for GDFMs. These findings highlight the importance of including family members as part of the target group in gambling disorder treatment protocols.