Exploring Psychological Distress and Coping Styles in Spouses of Male Patients with Gambling Disorder

Sripathi Santhosh Goud¹, Haritha Gilla²

Keywords: Gambling disorder, spouses, caregivers, psychological distress

DOI: 10.63475/yjm.v4i3.0205

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.63475/yjm.v4i3.0205

Publish Date: 31-12-2025

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Pages: 564 - 569

Views: 2

Downloads: 5

Citation: 0

Author Affiliation:

1 Senior Consultant cum PG Teacher, Department of Psychiatry, Indlas Hospitals, India
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology, Indlas hospitals, PhD Scholar, BEST innovative University, India

Abstract

Background: Gambling Disorder (GD), recognized as a behavioural addiction in DSM-5 and ICD-11, has received comparatively less research attention than substance use disorders, despite its profound effects on individuals and families. Its concealed nature often delays recognition until significant harm1 arises. Spouses of those affected commonly experience emotional distress, financial burden, and psychological strain. Coping responses vary and significantly influence their mental health and well-being. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the severity of gambling behaviour in males and the psychological distress, coping styles, and well-being of their spouses.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Indlas Hospital, Vijayawada, and included 100 spouses of male patients diagnosed with gambling disorder. A purposive sampling technique was employed, wherein participants were selected based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure that the sample was representative of the study objectives. The study was conducted over a period of 6 months, between January and June 2025. The Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI) was used to assess gambling severity in husbands. Spouses completed the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) to assess psychological distress, the Brief-COPE Inventory to evaluate coping styles, and the Personal Wellbeing Index-Adult (PWI-A) to measure well-being. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to examine associations.

Results: Statistically significant associations were found between spouses’ psychological distress and the severity of gambling in their husbands (p < 0.001), psychological distress and coping styles (p < 0.05), and coping styles and well-being (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The study highlights strong associations between psychological distress, maladaptive coping, and poor well-being among spouses of individuals with gambling problems. Greater distress was linked to more severe gambling and reliance on emotion-focused or avoidant coping, which corresponded with poorer well-being. Early interventions promoting problem-focused coping may improve outcomes for affected families.

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