Co-development of Problem Gambling and Depression Symptoms in Emerging Adults: A Parallel-Process Latent Class Growth
Jason D Edgerton1, Matthew T Keough2, Lance W Roberts3
1Department of Sociology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. J.Edgerton@umanitoba.ca.
Journal of Gambling Studies
|February 23, 2018
Summary
This study identified five joint trajectories of depression and problem gambling in young adults, finding no reciprocal growth. Interventions should target coping skills and tailored support for at-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Co-occurring depression and problem gambling are prevalent in emerging adults.
- Understanding their developmental trajectories is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct joint developmental trajectories of depression and problem gambling in emerging adults.
- To examine baseline predictors of these trajectories.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal data from 679 emerging adults (aged 18-20 at baseline) over 5 years (4 waves).
- Parallel process latent class growth modeling and multinomial logistic regression analyses.
Main Results:
- Five joint trajectory classes were identified, with the largest group (81%) showing low decreasing gambling and low increasing depression.
- No evidence of reciprocal growth between depression and problem gambling was found.
- Neuroticism, escape-avoidance coping, and family social support predicted class membership.
Conclusions:
- Emerging adults follow distinct paths in the co-development of depression and problem gambling.
- Problem gambling may serve as a coping mechanism for negative emotions, particularly in those with high neuroticism and low family support.
- Interventions should focus on adaptive coping skills and be tailored to specific comorbid subtypes.
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