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A Balancing Act: How Affected Others Support Themselves and Those Who Gamble.

Monique N Gandhi1, Nicki A Dowling2, Anna C Thomas2

  • 1School of Psychology, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, Victoria, 3125, Australia. monique.gandhi@deakin.edu.au.

Journal of Gambling Studies
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PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Affected others (AOs) coping with gambling harm use varied strategies, differing by relationship type. Interventions must be tailored to these specific needs and relational dynamics for effective support.

Keywords:
Affected othersCoping strategiesGambling-related harmQualitative research

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Sociology

Background:

  • Gambling-related harm significantly impacts families, friends, and communities (affected others/AOs).
  • Affected others experience financial, relational, and psychological distress but are often underrepresented in treatment.
  • AOs possess dual needs: managing personal harm and guiding the gambler, yet these are underexplored, especially beyond intimate partners.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the strategies affected others (AOs) employ to mitigate gambling-related harm.
  • To determine if these harm-reduction strategies vary based on the type of relationship with the gambler.

Main Methods:

  • Secondary analysis of 44 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with partners, family members, friends, and colleagues.
  • Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify patterns and themes in AO strategies.

Main Results:

  • Three key themes emerged: 'Holding it together' (self-protection), 'Pushing for change' (influencing gambler's behavior), and 'Different needs, limited options' (support seeking and barriers).
  • Partners often used direct strategies (e.g., financial controls, ultimatums).
  • Non-partners typically adopted indirect roles (advisory, supportive).

Conclusions:

  • Affected others' strategies for managing gambling harm differ significantly by relationship type.
  • Interventions should be tailored to specific relationships, acknowledging diverse AO needs.
  • Developing AO-focused support is crucial, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment.