Problem gambling and concurrent emotional/behavioral problems among Greek adolescents

Problem gambling in adolescents constitutes a major health problem. Very few studies have investigated the relationship of adolescent gambling with emotional/behavioral problems. The aim of this study was to examine the association between adolescent problem gambling and emotional/behavioral problems using data from a school survey in the greater Athens area.

The total sample consisted of 2159 high school students (45.4% males and 54.6% females) from a random and representative sample of public and private schools in the greater Athens area. Data were collected in the form of self-reported questionnaires during one school hour. To access problem gambling the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV Multiple Response Adapted for Juveniles questionnaire was administered to the study population. The presence of emotional/behavioral problems was assessed via the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Full data from 2141 participants were analyzed. Eighteen questionnaire with incomplete data were excluded.

Problem gambling in adolescence is in line with the presence of emotional/behavioral problems. All Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire subscales were significantly associated with problem gambling. Specifically, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, attention/hyperactivity, and social dysfunction were all significantly and independently associated with adolescent pathologic gambling. The prosocial scale had lower scores in problem gamblers.

This article aims to highlight and discuss the coexistence of adolescent problem gambling with other symptoms. The significant association of emotional/behavioral problems among adolescents with problem gambling indicates a need to screen for these symptoms and for their subsequent treatment among adolescents with problem gambling.