Problem Gambling Severity, Psychosocial Welfare, and Intimate Partner Violence: Evidence From a Population Health...

Gambling severity has been linked to various social and health-related harms, including intimate partner violence (IPV). This study uses nationally representative health survey data from Finland (n = 28,153; collected in 2022 and 2023) to examine the associations between gambling severity and self-reported victimization from physical and psychological violence perpetrated by spouse. Gambling severity is assessed using the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). The analyses control for sex, age, family structure, socioeconomic status, mental health, and substance use. The data were analyzed using complex samples logistic regression. Any form of violence experiences was more commonly reported by women, younger respondents, and past-year gamblers. Women reported experiencing all forms of violence more frequently than men, with experiences of psychological violence being more prevalent than physical violence. Psychological violence perpetrated by family members was the most common type reported. The prevalence of violent experiences increased with higher gambling severity. In the logistic regression models, physical violence perpetrated by spouse was more likely to be reported by women, younger respondents, those with hazardous alcohol use, suicidal ideation, and PGSI scores of eight or more. Experiences of psychological violence perpetrated by spouse were more likely among women, younger age groups, those with one or two children younger than 18 years in the household, harmful alcohol use, and psychological distress. Respondents with higher PGSI scores were more likely to have experienced psychological violence, and even those who gambled at a non-problem level were more likely to report experiencing psychological violence. These findings underscore the importance of addressing gambling, mental health, and violence together in prevention and support services.