Gambling parents and their children in Turkish society: Uncovering educational turmoil and remedial pathways

This study investigates the multifaceted impacts of parental gambling on children across educational, cultural, sociological, psychological, and economic dimensions. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, grounded in a robust theoretical framework integrating Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Systems Theory, Family Systems Theory, Social Identity Theory, Resilience Theory, and Goffman's Theory of Social Stigma. Quantitative data were collected through a validated Likert-type survey administered to 244 participants, while qualitative insights were derived from scenario-based techniques with a subset of 81 participants. The findings reveal significant disruptions in children's academic motivation and attendance due to financial instability and emotional neglect, alongside challenges in cultural identity and value transmission. Sociological impacts include heightened peer stigmatisation and social isolation. At the same time, psychological outcomes range from anxiety and depression to diminished self-esteem; economic instability further compounds these challenges, limiting access to essential educational and social resources. Notably, demographic factors such as parental age, occupation, gambling experience, and family size mediate these outcomes, underscoring the complexity of the issue. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted interventions to mitigate these adverse effects, including school-based programs, psychological counselling, and community support initiatives. By addressing the nuanced interplay between familial and societal dynamics, this research contributes to the development of evidence-based policies and interventions that enhance child welfare and family stability.