A1 Journal article (refereed)
Gambling and gaming during COVID-19 : The role of mental health and social motives in gambling and gaming problems (2022)
Savolainen, I., Vuorinen, I., Sirola, A., & Oksanen, A. (2022). Gambling and gaming during COVID-19 : The role of mental health and social motives in gambling and gaming problems. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 117, Article 152331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2022.152331
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Savolainen, Iina; Vuorinen, Ilkka; Sirola, Anu; Oksanen, Atte
Journal or series: Comprehensive Psychiatry
ISSN: 0010-440X
eISSN: 1532-8384
Publication year: 2022
Publication date: 12/06/2022
Volume: 117
Article number: 152331
Publisher: Elsevier
Publication country: Netherlands
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2022.152331
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Open Access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/82104
Abstract
The uncertain and stressful global situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to cause anxiety and impact people's mental health. Simultaneously, social distancing policies have isolated people from their normal social interactions. These societal changes have inevitably influenced gambling and gaming practices, and many people may have turned to betting or gaming as a means of social exchange. This study examined the influence of COVID-19 anxiety on increased mental health problems and their relationship to gambling and gaming problems. The mediating role of social motives for gambling and gaming was also investigated.
Material and methods
Finnish adults (N = 1530; Mage = 46.67; 50.33% male) were recruited from a volunteer participant pool to participate in a survey study. COVID-19 anxiety was assessed using a scale adapted from the Spielberger State–Trait Anxiety Inventory. Mental health problems were evaluated with the five-item Mental Health Inventory. Gambling problems were measured using the Problem Gambling Severity Index, and gaming problems were measured with the Internet Gaming Disorder Test. Social motives for gaming were evaluated using a single-item measure. Analyses used generalised structural equation modelling.
Results
COVID-19 anxiety predicted increased mental health problems, which were associated with heightened gambling and gaming problems. Social motives for gambling and gaming were a significant mediator, suggesting that gambling and gaming problems are emphasized markedly among those who are socially motivated by and involved in such games.
Conclusions
Mental health problems experienced during the pandemic and the social properties of games might accentuate gambling and gaming problems.
Keywords: COVID-19; unusual conditions; mental health; mental health problems; anxiety; gambling games; online games; problem gambling
Free keywords: COVID-19 anxiety; Gambling problems; Gaming problems; Social motives
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2022
JUFO rating: 1
