Kimberly M Caldeira1, Amelia M Arria2, Kevin E O'Grady3, Kathryn B Vincent4, Carl Robertson5, Christopher J Welsh6. 1. Center on Young Adult Health and Development, University of Maryland School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Community Health, 1234 School of Public Health Building, College Park, MD 20742, USA. Electronic address: caldeira@umd.edu. 2. Center on Young Adult Health and Development, University of Maryland School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Community Health, 1234 School of Public Health Building, College Park, MD 20742, USA. Electronic address: aarria@umd.edu. 3. Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, 3109 Biology-Psychology Building, College Park, MD 20742, USA. Electronic address: ogrady@umd.edu. 4. Center on Young Adult Health and Development, University of Maryland School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral and Community Health, 1234 School of Public Health Building, College Park, MD 20742, USA. Electronic address: kvincent@umd.edu. 5. University of Maryland School of Medicine, The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, 5900 Waterloo Road, Suite 200, Columbia, MD 20145, USA. Electronic address: croberts@psych.umaryland.edu. 6. University of Maryland School of Medicine, The Maryland Center of Excellence on Problem Gambling, 5900 Waterloo Road, Suite 200, Columbia, MD 20145, USA. Electronic address: cwelsh@psych.umaryland.edu.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: While it is well known that substance use and gambling overlap, the degree to which this overlap can be explained by shared risk factors has not been fully explored. This study aimed to identify common and unique risk factors for gambling and substance use among young adults. METHODS: Young adults (n=1,019) in a longitudinal study since college entry were interviewed annually. Past-year frequency of seven gambling activities was assessed once (Year 5). Structural equation models evaluated suspected risk factors in two models, one for gambling with substance use as an intermediary variable, and one for substance use with gambling as the intermediary variable. RESULTS: Sixty percent gambled; 6% gambled weekly or more. Examination of the two structural models supported the existence of significant paths (a) from two of the five substance use variables (alcohol, drugs) to gambling frequency, and (b) from gambling frequency to all five substance use variables. Every risk factor associated with gambling was also associated with one or more substance use variables. Risk factors common to gambling and substance use were sex, race/ethnicity, extracurricular involvement (fraternity/sorority, athletics), impulsive sensation-seeking, and behavioral dysregulation. Risk factors unique to substance use were conduct problems, anxiety, and parent's history of alcohol and mental health problems. CONCLUSIONS: Gambling and substance use are interrelated, but with incomplete overlap in their respective risk factors. Results underscore the need for longitudinal research to elucidate their distinct etiologies.
BACKGROUND: While it is well known that substance use and gambling overlap, the degree to which this overlap can be explained by shared risk factors has not been fully explored. This study aimed to identify common and unique risk factors for gambling and substance use among young adults. METHODS: Young adults (n=1,019) in a longitudinal study since college entry were interviewed annually. Past-year frequency of seven gambling activities was assessed once (Year 5). Structural equation models evaluated suspected risk factors in two models, one for gambling with substance use as an intermediary variable, and one for substance use with gambling as the intermediary variable. RESULTS: Sixty percent gambled; 6% gambled weekly or more. Examination of the two structural models supported the existence of significant paths (a) from two of the five substance use variables (alcohol, drugs) to gambling frequency, and (b) from gambling frequency to all five substance use variables. Every risk factor associated with gambling was also associated with one or more substance use variables. Risk factors common to gambling and substance use were sex, race/ethnicity, extracurricular involvement (fraternity/sorority, athletics), impulsive sensation-seeking, and behavioral dysregulation. Risk factors unique to substance use were conduct problems, anxiety, and parent's history of alcohol and mental health problems. CONCLUSIONS: Gambling and substance use are interrelated, but with incomplete overlap in their respective risk factors. Results underscore the need for longitudinal research to elucidate their distinct etiologies.
Authors: Spencer B Huggett; Evan A Winiger; Robin P Corley; John K Hewitt; Michael C Stallings Journal: Addict Behav Date: 2019-01-21 Impact factor: 3.913
Authors: Alicia Pérez-Albéniz; Mario Gil; Adriana Díez-Gómez; Gema Martín-Seoane; Beatriz Lucas-Molina Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-12-23 Impact factor: 3.390
Authors: Spencer B Huggett; Evan A Winiger; Rohan H C Palmer; John K Hewitt; Robin P Corley; Michael C Stallings Journal: Addict Behav Date: 2020-09-16 Impact factor: 3.913
Authors: Kirsten J M van Hooijdonk; Milagros Rubio; Sterre S H Simons; Tirza H J van Noorden; Maartje Luijten; Sabine A E Geurts; Jacqueline M Vink Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2022-01-12 Impact factor: 3.390