Thoughts and acts of self-harm, and suicidal ideation, in online gamblers. Issue 3 (1st September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lloyd, Joanne; Hawton, Keith; Dutton, William H.; Geddes, John R.; Goodwin, Guy M.; Rogers, Robert D.
• Is Part Of: International gambling studies. Volume 16:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 408
• Page End: 423
• Publication Date: 2016-09-01
• Subjects: Problem gambling -- Internet gambling -- mood disorder -- substance abuse -- suicide; Gambling -- Periodicals; 306.48205
• DOI: 10.1080/14459795.2016.1214166
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1445-9795

Abstract

Abstract: Gambling problems have been linked to suicidal ideation and enhanced risk of suicide attempts. However, we know very little about the factors associated with either thoughts or acts of self-harm amongst people who gamble. A web-based study of 4125 online gamblers (79% males; mean age 35.5 years), analysed using hierarchical multiple regression, revealed that self-reported non-gambling-related self-harm was negatively related to age and marital status, and positively related to problematic alcohol use. Self-reported acts of self-harm both related and unrelated to gambling were associated with drug misuse. Thoughts and acts of gambling-related self-harm were associated with problem gambling, gambling involvement and parental problem gambling. All types of self-harm were associated with mood disorder symptoms, unemployment and certain gambling motivations. When tailoring assessment and interventions for individuals at risk for gambling-related deliberate self-harm, it is important to recognize that contributory factors may include some that differ from those for deliberate self-harm in general, and that there is potential value in evaluating gambling involvement and motivations, and history of parental gambling.