The Relationship Between Family Gambling Problems, Other Family Stressors, and Health Indicators in a Large Population-R
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The Relationship Between Family Gambling Problems, Other Family Stressors, and Health Indicators in a Large Population-Representative Sample of Australian Adults Catherine Tulloch1 · Matthew Browne1 · Nerilee Hing1 · Matthew Rockloff1 Accepted: 9 November 2020 © Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract Purpose Harms due to excessive gambling can be experienced by gamblers and those close to them. Family gambling problems (FGPs) are currently under-researched, particularly in population-representative samples. This study aimed to identify prevalence, risk factors, and the complex of stressors and health-related consequences associated with FGPs, as well as isolating the impact of FGPs on physical and psychological health problems. Methods We analysed data from the National Health Survey 2011–13, a large (N = 15,475) nationally representative sample of Australian adults. Participants reported on the presence of 14 family stressors (including FGPs), self-assessed health status, and risky health behaviours. Psychological impact was measured by the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-10, as well as several indicators of the presence of mental health problems. Results Overall, 1.7% of households reported a FGP. Interviewees in these households reported three times the number of other stressors than those without a FGP. In addition, they were around eight times more likely to be experiencing other addictions (drug and alcohol related problems) and stressors associated with socially deviant behaviours (trouble with police, abuse or violent crime, and witness to violence). Once age, gender, socioeconomic disadvantage, and other stressors were controlled for, FGPs significantly predicted lower self-assessed health and higher psychological distress. Conclusions FGPs occur within a complex of other addictions and stressors, impacting the quality of life of people close to problem gambling. The findings are discussed in relation to their support for General Strain Theory (Agnew, Criminology 30:47–87, 1992). Keywords Problem gambling · Gambling harm · Concerned significant others · Family gambling problems · Family stressors · General Strain Theory When sorrows come, they come not single spies, but in battalions. (Shakespeare 2016, 4.5.83-84)
* Catherine Tulloch [email protected] Extended author information available on the last page of the article
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Vol.:(0123456789)
Journal of Gambling Studies
Excessive gambling can contribute to physical and psychological health impacts, as well as relationship, financial, and legal problems (Productivity Commission 2010). However, problem gambling is known to be highly comorbid with other kinds of issues that affect health and wellbeing. Other life stressors, such as drug and alcohol problems, that directly impact on health and wellbeing are also potential risk factors for the development of gambling problems (Kessler et al. 2008). Furthermore, the prevalence of these various stressors tend to cluster in families, where family memb
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