Gambling-related harm as reported by concerned significant others: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of empirical studies

ABSTRACTThe availability of legalized gambling products has increased over the past three decades. Though the negative personal consequences of problem gambling (PG) are well documented, a comprehensive picture of gambling-related harm from the perspective of concerned significant others (CSOs) is lacking. The aim of this systematic review was firstly, to describe the nature of existing peer-reviewed published studies from inception through to July 2018 that have directly engaged CSOs concerning gambling-related harm. Secondly, to synthesize this literature and describe the impacts of PG on CSOs; how CSOs respond to gambling-related harm; identify gaps in the literature, and provide specific directions for future research. A systematic search strategy identified 53 studies. Following the extraction of data, a meta-synthesis was conducted on the 26 quantitative, 21 qualitative and 6 mixed-methods studies. Partners are especially impacted, suffering both mental and physical health problems. Children are als...