Loading...
Problem gambling and family violence : Findings from a population-representative study
Dowling, Nicki A. Ewin, Carrie Youssef, George J. Merkouris, Stephanie S. Suomi, Aino Thomas, Shane A. Jackson, Alun C.
Dowling, Nicki A.
Ewin, Carrie
Youssef, George J.
Merkouris, Stephanie S.
Suomi, Aino
Thomas, Shane A.
Jackson, Alun C.
Abstract
Background and aims
Few studies have investigated the association between problem gambling (PG) and violence extending into the family beyond intimate partners. This study aimed to explore the association between PG and family violence (FV) in a population-representative sample. It was hypothesized that: (a) PG would be positively associated with FV, even after adjusting for sociodemographic variables and comorbidities and (b) these relationships would be significantly exacerbated by substance use and psychological distress. A secondary aim was to explore whether gender moderated these relationships.
Methods
Computer-assisted telephone interviews were conducted with a population-representative sample of 4,153 Australian adults.
Results
Moderate-risk (MR)/problem gamblers had a 2.73-fold increase in the odds of experiencing FV victimization (21.3%; 95% CI: 13.1–29.4) relative to non-problem gamblers (9.4%; 95% CI: 8.5–10.4). They also had a 2.56-fold increase in the odds of experiencing FV perpetration (19.7%; 95% CI: 11.8–27.7) relative to non-problem gamblers (9.0%; 95% CI: 8.0–10.0). Low-risk gamblers also had over a twofold increase in the odds of experiencing FV victimization (20.0%; 95% CI: 14.0–26.0) and perpetration (19.3%; 95% CI: 13.5–25.1). These relationships remained robust for low-risk gamblers, but were attenuated for MR/problem gamblers, after adjustment for substance use and psychological distress. MR/problem gamblers had a greater probability of FV victimization, if they reported hazardous alcohol use; and low-risk gamblers had a greater probability of FV perpetration if they were female.
Discussion and conclusion
These findings provide further support for routine screening, highlight the need for prevention and intervention programs, and suggest that reducing alcohol use may be important in these efforts.
Keywords
problem gambling, intimate partner violence, family violence, victimization, perpetration, psychological distress
Date
2018
Type
Journal article
Journal
Journal of Behavioral Addictions
Book
Volume
7
Issue
3
Page Range
806-813
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute of Child Protection Studies
Faculty of Education and Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts
Collections
Relation URI
Source URL
Event URL
Open Access Status
Published as ‘gold’ (paid) open access
License
CC BY-NC 4.0
File Access
Open