Parental problem gambling and child wellbeing: Systematic review and synthesis of evidence

Loot boxes (LBs) are video game-related purchases with a chance-based outcome. Due to similarities with gambling, they have come under increasing scrutiny from media, academics and policymakers alike. Initial evidence suggested that LB engagement might be associated with both problem gambling (PG) and problem video gaming (PVG). We therefore conducted a systematic review of the evidence for associations between LB purchasing, PG and PVG. For LB/PG, 12 of 13 publications reported a positive relationship, with a moderately sized mean effect of r = .27. For LB/PVG, the mean effect was r = .40, although this finding was drawn from only six surveys in total. For PG/PVG, the mean effect was r = .21, with only 11 of 20 studies reporting significant effects. While further evidence is required to determine the direction of causality, the strength of relationships suggests that policy action on LBs may have benefits for harm minimisation.

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Problem Gambling and Families: A Systematic Review

Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions ◽

10.1080/1533256x.2013.838130 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 13 (4) ◽

pp. 353-372 ◽

Cited By ~ 29

Author(s):

Toula Kourgiantakis ◽

Marie-Christine Saint-Jacques ◽

Joël Tremblay

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Problem Gambling

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Conduct problems and depressive symptoms in association with problem gambling and gaming: A systematic review

Journal of Behavioral Addictions ◽

10.1556/2006.2020.00045 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 497-533 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jérémie Richard ◽

Émilie Fletcher ◽

Stephanie Boutin ◽

Jeffrey Derevensky ◽

Caroline Temcheff

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Depressive Symptoms ◽

Problem Gambling ◽

Problem Behaviors ◽

Conduct Problems ◽

Health Care Providers ◽

Care Providers ◽

Externalizing And Internalizing Problems

AbstractBackground and aimsBehavioral addictions such as gambling and gaming disorder are significant public health issues that are of increasing importance to policy makers and health care providers. Problem gambling and gaming behaviors have been identified as being associated with externalizing and internalizing problems, with theoretical models suggesting that both conduct problems and depressive symptoms may be significant risk factors in the development of problem gambling and gaming. As such, the purpose of this systematic review is to provide an overview of research identifying the relationship between conduct problems, depressive symptoms and problem gambling and gaming among adolescents and young adults.MethodsSystematic literature searches in accordance with PRISMA guidelines found 71 eligible studies that met the inclusion criteria, 47 for problem gambling, 23 for problem gaming and one for both problem behaviors.ResultsBased on cross-sectional evidence, both problem gambling and gaming are consistently concurrently associated with conduct problems and depressive symptoms. Longitudinal evidence appears to be clearer for conduct problems as a risk factor for problem gambling, and depressive symptoms as a risk factor for problem gaming. However, both risk factors appear to increase the risk for these problem behaviors.Discussion and ConclusionsResults from the literature review suggest that problem gambling and gaming are associated with the presence of conduct problems and depressive symptoms, with the potential of sharing common etiological factors. Additional research is necessary to confirm these longitudinal relationships with an emphasis on investigating the interaction of both early conduct problems and depressive symptoms.

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