2020
Nordmyr, Johanna
Problem gambling in a Nordic context: Moving from social factors to a psychosocial perspective Väitöskirja
Hoitotiede, Åbo Akademi, 2020, ISBN: 978-952-12-3970-0.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Avainsanat: caring science, englanninkieliset väitöskirjat, Finland, gambling, health sciences, Nordic, population-based association study, problem gambling, psychosocial risk and support factors, systematic review
@phdthesis{Nordmyr2020,
title = {Problem gambling in a Nordic context: Moving from social factors to a psychosocial perspective},
author = {Johanna Nordmyr},
url = {https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-12-3970-0},
isbn = {978-952-12-3970-0},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
school = {Hoitotiede, Åbo Akademi},
abstract = {Aims In the growing field of research on gambling and problem gambling various focal points for prevention efforts are determined. The aim of this thesis is to identify and synthesise the evidence concerning social risk factors in relation to gambling and problem gambling in a Finnish and Nordic context, with a special emphasis on the less studied psychosocial factors. Further, it aims to present an overview of the state-of-the-art of Nordic gambling research.
Methods Studies I-II utilized cross-sectional population survey data from the 2011 Western Finland Mental Health Survey (n = 4624, response rate 46.2%), with logistic regression analyses (Odds Ratios, 95% confidence intervals) performed in both studies. Systematic mapping review technique was applied in Study III, encompassing searches in 21 bibliographical e-databases and Google Scholar, covering Nordic gambling-themed articles published between 2000 and 2015. Systematic screening and coding of select variables was performed in line with a specified study protocol. In Study IV, publications from international scientific journals included in Study III were manually screened to identify studies focusing on psychosocial aspects. Search updates for the time period 2016-2019 were also undertaken. Study screening was performed in line with predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and key information coded.
Results In Study I, gambling form (online and mixed-mode gambling) as well as psychological distress increased the risk of reporting problem gambling among male past-year gamblers. The socio-demographic variables language and age group were also associated with problem gambling among men. Among female past-year gamblers, gambling form (mixed mode gambling) and reporting problematic alcohol use were associated with experienced problem gambling. In Study II, identical psychosocial factors ̶ higher levels of experienced loneliness and lower levels of experienced trust in people in one’s neighbourhood ̶ were associated with both problem gambling and problematic alcohol use. No structural aspects of social networks were significantly associated with problem gambling. Study III encompassed 382 relevant publications, with 310 of these identified in international and national scientific databases. The majority of the identified studies had first authors with Finnish, Norwegian or Swedish affiliations. The majority of Nordic gambling studies represented prevalence research (38.8%), focusing on gambling activities or problem gambling and various associated factors.
Correspondingly, the majority of the studies (39.7%) analyzed population samples/cohorts or other cross-sectional samples, with many of the studies also applying review approaches or presenting case studies (for example the gambling regulation system of a country). The scientific disciplines most frequently represented were social sciences (including media and humanities) and public health sciences. Study IV included 21 original gambling studies applying statistical or interview/narrative methods, with loneliness and social support being the most frequently featured psychosocial phenomena, evidencing mixed results in relation to gambling and problem gambling.
Conclusions In this thesis, psychosocial phenomena are identified as relevant factors to consider in relation to gambling and problem gambling in the Nordic context, albeit questions remain regarding the causality and directionality of these complex connections. Results also highlight the significant role of psychosocial factors, compared to structural aspects of social networks, in relation to problem gambling in a Finnish sample. These results support further research on psychosocial experiences not only as harms caused by problem gambling but also as potential determinants of problem gambling.
Here, the framework of Wardle and colleagues (2018) is a suitable backdrop for illustrating both harms and determinants in a multi-level socio-ecological framing. The survey study results further highlight inter-level interactions in problem gambling, where for example individual-level socio-demographic factors such as gender can interact with the gambling environment to affect the risk of experiencing problems.
The mapping study results highlight the need for a shift in the focus of Nordic gambling research from cross-sectional prevalence studies to increased translation of evidence into prevention and service-focused research initiatives. Gaps concerning for example research applying various qualitative methods and interdisciplinary research also emerged. Few longitudinal projects were identified, although these are now increasing in the Nordic setting. Concerning target groups, less research has focused on older adults and children. While a health science framework has been employed in Nordic gambling research, health science research with a more humanistic perspective such as that of caring science would add valuable contributions to both theory and health and social care practice, alongside the major epidemiological evidence base.},
keywords = {caring science, englanninkieliset väitöskirjat, Finland, gambling, health sciences, Nordic, population-based association study, problem gambling, psychosocial risk and support factors, systematic review},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {phdthesis}
}
Aims In the growing field of research on gambling and problem gambling various focal points for prevention efforts are determined. The aim of this thesis is to identify and synthesise the evidence concerning social risk factors in relation to gambling and problem gambling in a Finnish and Nordic context, with a special emphasis on the less studied psychosocial factors. Further, it aims to present an overview of the state-of-the-art of Nordic gambling research.
Methods Studies I-II utilized cross-sectional population survey data from the 2011 Western Finland Mental Health Survey (n = 4624, response rate 46.2%), with logistic regression analyses (Odds Ratios, 95% confidence intervals) performed in both studies. Systematic mapping review technique was applied in Study III, encompassing searches in 21 bibliographical e-databases and Google Scholar, covering Nordic gambling-themed articles published between 2000 and 2015. Systematic screening and coding of select variables was performed in line with a specified study protocol. In Study IV, publications from international scientific journals included in Study III were manually screened to identify studies focusing on psychosocial aspects. Search updates for the time period 2016-2019 were also undertaken. Study screening was performed in line with predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and key information coded.
Results In Study I, gambling form (online and mixed-mode gambling) as well as psychological distress increased the risk of reporting problem gambling among male past-year gamblers. The socio-demographic variables language and age group were also associated with problem gambling among men. Among female past-year gamblers, gambling form (mixed mode gambling) and reporting problematic alcohol use were associated with experienced problem gambling. In Study II, identical psychosocial factors ̶ higher levels of experienced loneliness and lower levels of experienced trust in people in one’s neighbourhood ̶ were associated with both problem gambling and problematic alcohol use. No structural aspects of social networks were significantly associated with problem gambling. Study III encompassed 382 relevant publications, with 310 of these identified in international and national scientific databases. The majority of the identified studies had first authors with Finnish, Norwegian or Swedish affiliations. The majority of Nordic gambling studies represented prevalence research (38.8%), focusing on gambling activities or problem gambling and various associated factors.
Correspondingly, the majority of the studies (39.7%) analyzed population samples/cohorts or other cross-sectional samples, with many of the studies also applying review approaches or presenting case studies (for example the gambling regulation system of a country). The scientific disciplines most frequently represented were social sciences (including media and humanities) and public health sciences. Study IV included 21 original gambling studies applying statistical or interview/narrative methods, with loneliness and social support being the most frequently featured psychosocial phenomena, evidencing mixed results in relation to gambling and problem gambling.
Conclusions In this thesis, psychosocial phenomena are identified as relevant factors to consider in relation to gambling and problem gambling in the Nordic context, albeit questions remain regarding the causality and directionality of these complex connections. Results also highlight the significant role of psychosocial factors, compared to structural aspects of social networks, in relation to problem gambling in a Finnish sample. These results support further research on psychosocial experiences not only as harms caused by problem gambling but also as potential determinants of problem gambling.
Here, the framework of Wardle and colleagues (2018) is a suitable backdrop for illustrating both harms and determinants in a multi-level socio-ecological framing. The survey study results further highlight inter-level interactions in problem gambling, where for example individual-level socio-demographic factors such as gender can interact with the gambling environment to affect the risk of experiencing problems.
The mapping study results highlight the need for a shift in the focus of Nordic gambling research from cross-sectional prevalence studies to increased translation of evidence into prevention and service-focused research initiatives. Gaps concerning for example research applying various qualitative methods and interdisciplinary research also emerged. Few longitudinal projects were identified, although these are now increasing in the Nordic setting. Concerning target groups, less research has focused on older adults and children. While a health science framework has been employed in Nordic gambling research, health science research with a more humanistic perspective such as that of caring science would add valuable contributions to both theory and health and social care practice, alongside the major epidemiological evidence base.
Methods Studies I-II utilized cross-sectional population survey data from the 2011 Western Finland Mental Health Survey (n = 4624, response rate 46.2%), with logistic regression analyses (Odds Ratios, 95% confidence intervals) performed in both studies. Systematic mapping review technique was applied in Study III, encompassing searches in 21 bibliographical e-databases and Google Scholar, covering Nordic gambling-themed articles published between 2000 and 2015. Systematic screening and coding of select variables was performed in line with a specified study protocol. In Study IV, publications from international scientific journals included in Study III were manually screened to identify studies focusing on psychosocial aspects. Search updates for the time period 2016-2019 were also undertaken. Study screening was performed in line with predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, and key information coded.
Results In Study I, gambling form (online and mixed-mode gambling) as well as psychological distress increased the risk of reporting problem gambling among male past-year gamblers. The socio-demographic variables language and age group were also associated with problem gambling among men. Among female past-year gamblers, gambling form (mixed mode gambling) and reporting problematic alcohol use were associated with experienced problem gambling. In Study II, identical psychosocial factors ̶ higher levels of experienced loneliness and lower levels of experienced trust in people in one’s neighbourhood ̶ were associated with both problem gambling and problematic alcohol use. No structural aspects of social networks were significantly associated with problem gambling. Study III encompassed 382 relevant publications, with 310 of these identified in international and national scientific databases. The majority of the identified studies had first authors with Finnish, Norwegian or Swedish affiliations. The majority of Nordic gambling studies represented prevalence research (38.8%), focusing on gambling activities or problem gambling and various associated factors.
Correspondingly, the majority of the studies (39.7%) analyzed population samples/cohorts or other cross-sectional samples, with many of the studies also applying review approaches or presenting case studies (for example the gambling regulation system of a country). The scientific disciplines most frequently represented were social sciences (including media and humanities) and public health sciences. Study IV included 21 original gambling studies applying statistical or interview/narrative methods, with loneliness and social support being the most frequently featured psychosocial phenomena, evidencing mixed results in relation to gambling and problem gambling.
Conclusions In this thesis, psychosocial phenomena are identified as relevant factors to consider in relation to gambling and problem gambling in the Nordic context, albeit questions remain regarding the causality and directionality of these complex connections. Results also highlight the significant role of psychosocial factors, compared to structural aspects of social networks, in relation to problem gambling in a Finnish sample. These results support further research on psychosocial experiences not only as harms caused by problem gambling but also as potential determinants of problem gambling.
Here, the framework of Wardle and colleagues (2018) is a suitable backdrop for illustrating both harms and determinants in a multi-level socio-ecological framing. The survey study results further highlight inter-level interactions in problem gambling, where for example individual-level socio-demographic factors such as gender can interact with the gambling environment to affect the risk of experiencing problems.
The mapping study results highlight the need for a shift in the focus of Nordic gambling research from cross-sectional prevalence studies to increased translation of evidence into prevention and service-focused research initiatives. Gaps concerning for example research applying various qualitative methods and interdisciplinary research also emerged. Few longitudinal projects were identified, although these are now increasing in the Nordic setting. Concerning target groups, less research has focused on older adults and children. While a health science framework has been employed in Nordic gambling research, health science research with a more humanistic perspective such as that of caring science would add valuable contributions to both theory and health and social care practice, alongside the major epidemiological evidence base.