Study goals
To critically reflect on the theoretical approaches, definitions, measures, and existing gaps in the scientific literature on the phenomenon of over-indebtedness
Relevance / originality
Consumer over-indebtedness has intensified across various global contexts, affecting all social classes and disproportionately impacting highly vulnerable populations in countries marked by socioeconomic inequality
Methodology / approach
Narrative review is a flexible literature analysis approach that synthesizes and critically discusses a topic without adhering to systematic protocols, allowing for a broad and in-depth understanding of the state of the art
Main results
It was observed that most studies prioritize the individual bias of the consumer, overlooking the role of financial institutions and regulatory policies. Additionally, there is a notable scarcity of research production and promotion on the subject in developing countries
Theoretical / methodological contributions
There is a pressing need to discuss the concept of over-indebtedness, incorporate systemic aspects, and adopt robust quantitative methods to support credit granting policies and public policies aimed at responsible lending
Social / management contributions
Credit, while often analyzed as an instrument of economic development and family support—particularly when used to generate income or address unforeseen events—must also be examined as a potential source of harm, thereby requiring responsible regulation by institutions and competent authorities