A Review of Gambling Addiction and Attachment Styles in the Context of Emotion Regulation Processes

Addiction is a condition characterized by a loss of control over a substance or behavior. Gambling addiction is a type of behavioral addiction that negatively affects an individual's social functioning, and in recent years, with increasing digitalization, it has become a significant public health problem. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between gambling addiction and attachment styles in the context of emotion regulation processes. In this study, Turkish and English studies published in the Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases between 2000 and 2025 were reviewed. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods peer-reviewed articles were examined, and the data were analyzed thematically. The study shows that insecure attachment styles increase the risk of gambling addiction, while secure attachment plays a protective role. Difficulties in emotion regulation stand out as an important variable mediating this relationship. In addition, escaping from negative emotions, stress, and anxiety is among the main motivations triggering gambling behavior. These findings show that gambling addiction is not only behavioral but also a multidimensional structure related to early attachment experiences and emotional regulation processes. Insecure attachment increases susceptibility to addictive behaviors through dysfunctional coping strategies. Gambling addiction is closely related to attachment styles and emotion regulation skills and should be addressed within a multidimensional and holistic psychosocial framework. In preventative measures, attachment-based approaches and interventions that improve emotion regulation skills are considered effective. In clinical practice, the use of attachment-focused interventions alongside cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended.