Adolescent problem gambling and gaming behaviors: The predictive role of adverse childhood experiences and mental health symptoms

Session Title

Session 2-4-C: Subpopulation Research

Presenters

Jérémie Richard, McGill UniversityFollow
Jiaxuan Hannah Deng, McGill UniversityFollow
William Ivoska, Connecticut Council on Problem GamblingFollow
Jeffrey Derevensky, McGill UniversityFollow

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Location

Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV

Start Date

24-5-2023 3:30 PM

End Date

24-5-2023 5:00 PM

Disciplines

Clinical Psychology | Developmental Psychology

Abstract

Based on current theories explaining the development of behavioral addictions across the lifespan, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and mental health symptoms are significant risk factors for problematic engagement in gambling and video gaming. However, it remains unclear whether there is a differential role of specific forms of childhood adversity in increasing the risk for problem gambling and gaming in adolescence. As such, the present study aimed to examine the association between the total number of self-reported ACEs, ACEs categories (i.e., child maltreatment and household dysfunctions), and specific ACEs, and gambling/gaming behaviors. Moreover, it was examined whether mental health symptoms (i.e., externalizing and internalizing problems) mediate the relation between ACEs and gambling/gaming behaviors. Surveys were collected from 6,314 public school students aged 10 to 19 in Wood County, Ohio, United States. Results indicated that the greater number of endorsed ACEs increased the risk for gambling and gaming. Comparatively, childhood adversity resulted in a greater risk of problem gambling and disordered gaming compared to household dysfunction. Results of the mediation models indicated that externalizing problems, but not internalizing problems fully mediated the relationship between ACEs and risk for problem gambling, whereas for disordered gaming, both externalizing and internalizing problems increased this risk.

Statement of implications: Results underline the differential effect of mental health symptoms in the relationship between childhood adversity and engagement in gambling and gaming in adolescence. Implications for treatment and prevention will be discussed relevant to the risk of specific adverse events in childhood and current-day mental health vulnerabilities.

Keywords

adverse childhood experiences; behavioral addictions; mental health; gambling; video gaming;

Author Bios

Jérémie Richard is a doctoral candidate in Counselling Psychology at McGill University. He completed his B.A. (specialization) in Psychology in 2016 at McGill University and his Master’s in 2018. Jeremie's doctoral dissertation aims to evaluate the pathways involved in the development of problem gambling and problematic video game playing among adolescents and emerging adults with a focus on externalizing and internalizing problems.

Jiaxuan Deng is an undergraduate student in psychology at McGill University. She has interests in studying the relationship between childhood adversity, mental health symptoms and addictive behaviors among youth.

Dr. Ivoska is a board member with the Lucas County Chance for Change Foundation, the Wood County Board of Red Cross and develops intervention programs for the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services Board. His professional involvement includes membership with the Ohio Council of Student Development, the American Association of Counseling and Development and the American Student Personnel Association. Dr. Ivoska holds a PhD in counseling and research methods from the University of Toledo.

Dr. Derevensky is a James McGill Professor in the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology at McGill University. Dr. Derevensky’s research has focused on child and adolescent high-risk behaviors. He is actively involved in a variety of research, treatment, and prevention products. He has worked internationally and provided expert testimony before legislative bodies in several countries and his work has resulted in important social policy and governmental changes.

Funding Sources

None

Competing Interests

None

Comments

This is a resubmission of a presentation accepted as a poster that will not be presented as a paper presentation on May 25th, session 3, which is 1.30pm-3pm.