Problem Gambling, Psychological Distress, and Suicidal Behaviours in a Community Sample of Young Adults: The Moderating Role of Social Support

Abstract

The advent of the internet, social media, and the proliferation of desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones as well as the glamorous advertisement of gambling to young people have raised concern about the implications of these trends for young people’s exposure to gambling. This study examined problem gambling, psychological distress and suicidal behaviours among young adults in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. It also explored the protective effect of social support in moderating the relationships among the variables. A cross-sectional survey design was employed in the study. Three hundred and fifty (350) gamblers were conveniently and purposely sampled from betting establishments to complete self-report scales. The data were analysed using PROCESS macro for SPSS. Firstly, the study found that problem gambling did not have a significant direct effect on suicidal behaviours. Instead, psychological distress mediated the relationship between problem gambling and suicidal behaviours. Further, the results revealed a significant positive relationship between problem gambling and psychological distress among participants. Additionally, social support was negatively associated with suicidal behaviours. Finally, results revealed that social support moderated the relationship between psychological distress and suicidal behaviours among participants. These findings emphasise the consequences of gambling as well as the protective effect of social support in the lives of young people engaged in gambling particularly, sports betting.