Problem gambling and family violence: Findings from a population-representative study

Abstract

Background and aimsFew 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.MethodsComputer-assisted telephone interviews were conducted with a population-representative sample of 4,153 Australian adults.ResultsModerate-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 conclusionThese 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.

Problem Gambling and Family Violence: Factors Associated With Family Violence Victimization and Perpetration in Treatment-Seeking Gamblers

“…While this estimate is at the lower end of the range obtained previously in nonrepresentative samples (Dowling, Jackson, et al, 2014;Dowling, Rodda, et al, 2014;Palmer du Preez et al, 2018;Raylu & Oei, 2009), it is consistent with previous studies of family violence among treatment-seeking gamblers who have employed current measures of physical and psychological abuse (Dowling, Jackson, et al, 2014; Raylu & Oei, 2009). Consistent with previous findings from the larger study (Dowling et al, 2018;Dowling, Jackson, et al, 2014;Suomi et al, 2019;Suomi et al, 2013), parents and intimate partners were the most likely to be perpetrators of violence toward problem gamblers, suggesting that these family members are important in understanding the nature of the relationship between problem gambling and family violence. All of the gambling indices (gambling symptom severity, gambling time spent, gambling frequency, or gambling expenditure) failed to predict family violence victimization.…”

“…In contrast, Palmer du Preez et al (2018) found that female treatment-seeking gamblers are more likely than their male counterparts to report both family violence perpetration and victimization. Moreover, in a community sample, Dowling et al (2018) found that low-risk gamblers had a greater probability of family violence perpetration if they were women.…”

“…In the only study to explore the role of psychosocial characteristics in the relationships between problem gambling and violence that extend beyond intimate partners, Dowling et al (2018) found that the associations between problem gambling and both family violence victimization and perpetration (physical, psychological, or sexual) in an Australian population-representative study remained robust for low-risk gamblers, but were generally attenuated for moderate-risk/problem gamblers, to adjustment for substance use (hazardous alcohol use, cannabis use, other substance use) and psychological distress. Moreover, moderate-risk/problem gamblers had a greater probability of family violence victimization if they reported hazardous alcohol use.…”

“…This includes “a wide range of physical, emotional, sexual, social, spiritual, cultural, psychological, and economic abuses that occur within families, intimate relationships, extended families, kinship networks and communities” (Victorian Department of Human Services, 2012, p. 4). Between 20% and 64% of problem gamblers report victimization experiences (physical, psychological, or sexual) by family members (Dowling et al, 2018; Dowling, Jackson, et al, 2014; Kausch, Rugle, & Rowland, 2006; Palmer du Preez et al, 2018; Raylu & Oei, 2009; Suomi et al, 2013), and between 20% and 41% of problem gamblers report perpetrating violence (physical, psychological, or sexual) toward family members (Dowling et al, 2018; Dowling, Jackson, et al, 2014; Palmer du Preez et al, 2018; Suomi et al, 2013). In these studies, parents and intimate partners are most likely to be both perpetrators and victims of physical, psychological, or sexual family violence (Dowling et al, 2018; Dowling, Jackson, et al, 2014; Suomi et al, 2019; Suomi et al, 2013).…”

Intimate Partner Violence in Treatment Seeking Problem Gamblers

“…These include occurrences of intimate partner violence (IPV) (e.g. Dowling et al 2018;Korman et al 2008;Roberts et al 2016Roberts et al , 2018Suomi et al 2013Suomi et al , 2018, which can refer to physical or sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression (including coercive tactics) by a current or former intimate partner (Breiding et al 2015). A systematic review by Dowling et al (2016) identified limited research that had examined the co-occurrence of problem gambling and IPV; however, the best available estimates from studies of community and clinical samples of problem gamblers suggested around 37% that reported physical IPV perpetration, and 38% that reported IPV victimisation.…”