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The Dual Burden of Emerging Adulthood: Assessing Gambling Severity, Gambling-Related Harm, and Mental Health Challenges

Author

Listed:
  • Belle Gavriel-Fried

    (The Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6997801, Israel)

  • Inbar Malka

    (The Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv-Yafo 6997801, Israel)

  • Yafit Levin

    (Department of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel)

Abstract

Growing concerns over gambling problems across age groups have sparked research in public health and psychology. During emerging adulthood, individuals are more susceptible to mental health problems and more likely to develop gambling problems than in other age groups. This study explored the potential differences between emerging adults and adults aged 30+ in terms of problem gambling severity (PGS), gambling-related harm (GRH), depression and anxiety, and the mediating role of depression and anxiety in the association between age, PGS, and GRH. A representative online sample of 3244 Israelis aged 18 and over was divided into two groups: 740 emerging adults aged 18–29 and 2504 adults aged 30+. Gambling behaviors, the Problem Gambling Severity Index, the Short Gambling Harm Screen, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 assessing depression and anxiety were administered. Emerging adults had significantly higher levels of GRH, PGS, and depression-anxiety than their older counterparts, above and beyond gender and education. Depression-anxiety fully mediated the associations between age and gambling-related outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of considering psychological well-being in efforts to address problem gambling and gambling-related harms, especially in emerging adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Belle Gavriel-Fried & Inbar Malka & Yafit Levin, 2024. "The Dual Burden of Emerging Adulthood: Assessing Gambling Severity, Gambling-Related Harm, and Mental Health Challenges," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(6), pages 1-12, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:6:p:702-:d:1405280
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ilkka Vuorinen & Atte Oksanen & Iina Savolainen & Anu Sirola & Markus Kaakinen & Hye-Jin Paek & Izabela Zych, 2021. "The Mediating Role of Psychological Distress in Excessive Gambling among Young People: A Four-Country Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-11, June.
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