Abstract
BackgroundPrior studies on the impact of problem gambling in the family mainly include help-seeking populations with small numbers of participants. The objective of the present stratified probability sample study was to explore the epidemiology of problem gambling in the family in the general population.MethodsMen and women 16–74 years-old randomly selected from the Norwegian national population database received an invitation to participate in this postal questionnaire study. The response rate was 36.1% (3,483/9,638). Given the lack of validated criteria, two survey questions ("Have you ever noticed that a close relative spent more and more money on gambling?" and "Have you ever experienced that a close relative lied to you about how much he/she gambles?") were extrapolated from the Lie/Bet Screen for pathological gambling. Respondents answering "yes" to both questions were defined as Concerned Significant Others (CSOs).ResultsOverall, 2.0% of the study population was defined as CSOs. Young age, female gender, and divorced marital status were factors positively associated with being a CSO. CSOs often reported to have experienced conflicts in the family related to gambling, worsening of the family's financial situation, and impaired mental and physical health.ConclusionProblematic gambling behaviour not only affects the gambling individual but also has a strong impact on the quality of life of family members.
Highlights
Prior studies on the impact of problem gambling in the family mainly include helpseeking populations with small numbers of participants
3.4% (118/3,482) of respondents reported to have ever noticed that a close relative spent more and more money on gambling, while 2.9% (100/ 3,482) reported to have ever experienced that a close relative lied about the amount of gambling
Female gender, young age, living in a city, being divorced, being in an unsatisfactory financial situation, and having an unsatisfactory subjective health were all variables significantly associated with being a Concerned Significant Others" (CSOs)
Summary
Prior studies on the impact of problem gambling in the family mainly include helpseeking populations with small numbers of participants. The objective of the present stratified probability sample study was to explore the epidemiology of problem gambling in the family in the general population. Pathological gambling affects the gambler's closest family and financial problems are often encountered [1]. Life in a problem gambler's family is often beset with crises and conflicts and distress levels are elevated [1]. In their studies on problem gambling in the family, Hodgins and co-workers utilize the term "Concerned Significant Others" (CSOs) [4,5], which we will employ. In a study among Gam-Anon members, the (page number not for citation purposes)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
