A systematic review of psychosocial risks for gambling and problem gambling in the Nordic countries

Abstract

Gambling is a relatively common activity in the Nordic countries, while the incidence and prevalence of problem gambling is relatively stable in this context. Social networks and relationships (e.g., gambling activities among family members and peers) have been put forward as relevant factors to consider when monitoring the epidemiological pathways in regard to gambling and problem gambling. The research on gambling and functional or qualitative aspect of networks and relationships (here labelled psychosocial factors), is however an important emerging area, warranting a synthesis of the evidence. We systematically reviewed the evidence on psychosocial risk factors in relation to gambling and problem gambling in Nordic gambling research. Included articles were identified through systematic searches in 10 scientific databases, covering the time period January 2000-July 2019. Following a systematic screening procedure, the final data set consisted of 21 original studies applying various statistical, interview or narrative methods. The review highlights both less researched psychosocial phenomena and also synthesises the evidence on the most commonly featured psychosocial factors in the included publications-loneliness and social support-evidencing conflicting findings in relation to gambling activities and problem gambling. Although few studies carried evidence to corroborate causal inferences, the risk factors and related epidemiological pathways we identify highlight focal areas that should be considered in both future prevention research and practice, broadening the arena for prevention strategies targeting new health challenges.

Problem gambling among older people. An Italian study on habits, representations, levels of engagement and psychosocial determinants

“…The study has deepened our knowledge of the psychosocial factors related to PG among Italian seniors and highlights the need for a greater attention to the elderly in gambling research and preventive interventions. Particularly, the findings support and strengthen the view that prevention should not concentrate exclusively on risk and protective factors for the individual, but also address the interpersonal and social level (Nordmyr & Forsman, 2020). As observed, poor relations and well-being were found to be significant risk factors for PG within our Italian sample; previous crossnational studies showed Italians elders score a lower median level of life satisfaction than did participants from other countries (Fagerström et al, 2007) and higher score on the loneliness rate associated to poor health and economic deprivation (Fokkema et al, 2012).…”

“…Psychosocial problems can also be recognized as the result of problems related to gambling, according to the idea that disruption of significant relationships is a frequent form of harm characterizing PG (Langham et al, 2015). Psychosocial problems can also have a mediating/moderating effect on the links between various factors and PG by functioning as resiliency factors and in influencing coping (Nordmyr & Forsman, 2020): for instance, few scholars have suggested that the lack of social support and social loneliness may work as vulnerable terrain for anxiety and depression, as well recognized risk factors for gambling (Brooks, 2000;Raylu & Oei, 2004, Wood & Griffiths, 2007. In the absence of a support network, people may see gambling as a way to escape from difficulties related to their unpleasant emotions (Gupta et al, 2004;Wood & Griffiths, 2007), as already observed in studies concerning other kinds of addictions (Holahan et al, 2001;Venuleo et al, 2020).…”

“…However, studies on PG in older adults and psychosocial determinants are rarely found in the literature (for a review, see Nordmyr & Forsman, 2020). The study of Tse and colleagues (2012) systematically reviewed 75 empirical studies concerning older adults' gambling and noticed how most studies analyzed participation rates, motivation for initially beginning to gamble, and risk and protective factors such as age, gender, gambling motives and frequency, and other addiction problems, but an important gap exists in the analysis of the psychosocial and cultural determinants of PG.…”

Psychosocial Perspective on Problem Gambling: The role of Social Relationships, Resilience, and COVID-19 Worry

“…Social support from meaningful others is generally recognized as an asset that protects us from many risks and harms (Cohen & Wills, 1985 ; Kaakinen et al, 2018 ; Minkkinen et al, 2016 ). However, studies have yielded mixed results regarding the role of social support in gambling and problem gambling (Nordmyr & Forsman, 2020 ). A study by Savolainen et al, ( 2019 ) emphasized the role of offline support, showing that while offline support seems to protect from problem gambling, online support is a risk for problem gambling.…”

Impact of Advertising Campaigns Among Online Gamblers: The Role Perceptions of Social Support and Personality Traits

“…This finding is contrary to expectations but similar with few studies. A systematic review on psychosocial risks for gambling and problem gambling in Nordic countries, Nordmyr and Forsman ( 57 ) indicate that if social support could be a protective factor of problematic gambling but not in all studies but in two studies, social support is not associated with problematic gambling to young people ( 12 , 58 )].…”