Gambling, trauma, and the mind: a network analysis of online gambling and personal well-being

Online gambling has become a significant public health concern due to its accessibility and potential negative impact on personal well-being. However, the complex relationships between online gambling and related factors remain insufficiently explored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between online gambling disorder (OGD), psychological distress, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. Additionally, the study examined the influence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on these relationships. Network analyses were conducted using a large nationwide sample of Czech adults (n = 3399). Measured variables included OGD, psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress scales), suicidal ideation, and substance use behaviors. Separate networks were estimated for males and females. The effect of ACEs on the relationships within the networks was evaluated via the Network Comparison Test (NCT) and edge weight difference tests. No strong associations between OGD and psychological distress or suicidal ideation were found. Additionally, only weak links were observed between OGD and selected substance use items. Changes in node connections were detected when ACEs were introduced into the networks. Furthermore, the NCT revealed isolated structural and connectivity differences between male and female networks. While no direct influence of ACEs on the links between OGD and psychological distress was observed, gender-specific differences emerged in how individual OGD items are interconnected. This underscores the need for further research to explore the potential mechanisms through which OGD manifests differently in men and women.