What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to highlight the psychosocial dimensions of over-indebtedness and the lack of adequate psychological support services.

June 12, 2026Open Access

The Psychosocial Dimension of Debt Problems

Key Points

The aim is to highlight the psychosocial dimensions of over-indebtedness and the lack of adequate psychological support services.
Analysis of the EU Consumer Credit Directive II implementation.
Comparative examples from countries including France, Bulgaria, Finland, Italy, Malta, Slovakia, and Sweden.
Over-indebtedness is identified as a significant financial and psychosocial issue.
The feeling of shame is prevalent among those who are over-indebted.
There is a notable lack of institutionalized psychological help services for over-indebted individuals.

Abstract

This issue deals with the implementation of the EU Consumer Credit Directive II and the definitions given for debt advisory services. These legal innovations reflect the fact that over-indebtedness is not just a financial burden but a significant financial issue. As the examples from France, Bulgaria, Finland, Italy, Malta, Slovakia and Sweden show, over-indebtedness has numerous psychosocial dimensions. The feeling of shame is striking. The (psychosocial) impact of financial problemes must be taken into account in its full extent. Remedies must be developed, expanded and financed. Summarizing, it cannot be said, that there are widespread and institutionalized services for psychological help for the over-indebted subject.

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