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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/22809
Record ID: b2a12f07-29b1-4a79-9a33-e8dc6b6ce21f
DOI: 10.1556/2006.7.2018.74
Web resource: https://akjournals.com/view/journals/2006/7/3/article-p806.xml
Type: Journal Article
Title: Problem gambling and family violence: Findings from a population-representative study
Authors: Dowling, Nicki A.
Ewin, Carrie
Youssef, George J.
Merkouris, Stephanie S.
Suomi, Aino
Thomas, Shane A.
Jackson, Alun C.
Keywords: Mixed Methods Research;Gambling;Intimate Partner Violence (IPV);Domestic and Family Violence;Risk Factors for Violence;Pathways into and out of Perpetration;Alcohol and/or Other Drugs;Prevalence of Violence
Topic: Drivers of violence
Population: People who use domestic, family and sexual violence
Year: Sep-2018
Publisher: Journal of Behavioral Addictions
Citation: Vol 7, Issue 3
Abstract:  This study explores the association between problem gambling (PG) and family violence (FV) using a population-representative sample. The research highlights increased odds of FV victimization and perpetration among low-risk, moderate-risk, and problem gamblers. The study further emphasizes the role of alcohol and psychological distress in exacerbating these relationships. The findings advocate for routine screening of FV in problem gambling services and interventions aimed at reducing co-occurring behaviors such as alcohol use.
Contents: 

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.

Description: Open access
URI: https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/22809
ISSN: 2062-5871
Appears in Collections:Gambling & Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence
Journal Articles

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