Child maltreatment and problem gambling: A systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Social Science

Background:

• Child maltreatment is a significant public health issue with long-term consequences.
• Problem gambling is a recognized mental health disorder with substantial societal impact.
• The bidirectional relationship between child maltreatment and problem gambling requires systematic investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the existing literature on the association between child maltreatment and the risk of gambling problems in adulthood.
• To examine the risk of child abuse and neglect among adult problem gamblers.
• To inform clinical assessment and intervention strategies for both child welfare and gambling treatment professionals.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search of multiple databases using predefined terms for gambling, child abuse, and neglect.
• Inclusion of studies reporting original research with multivariable analysis of childhood maltreatment and problem gambling.
• Identification and synthesis of findings from twelve relevant studies.

Main Results:

• Childhood sexual abuse (OR 2.01-3.65) and physical abuse (OR 2.3-2.8) were significantly associated with increased risk of adult problem gambling.
• Psychological maltreatment and neglect also showed positive associations with problem gambling.
• Controlling for other mental health disorders often reduced or eliminated these associations.
• Limited data suggest problem gamblers may have an increased risk of child physical abuse and neglect.

Conclusions:

• Child maltreatment is a significant risk factor for developing gambling problems in adulthood.
• Gambling treatment providers should routinely screen for a history of child maltreatment.
• Child welfare professionals should consider assessing parental gambling behaviors when evaluating family risk.